Presumed stromal graft rejection after automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty: case report

Graft rejection-like reactions in the early postoperative period after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus: a retrospective study

Background

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is indicated to correct high astigmatism in patients with keratoconus (KC) and no evidence of Descemet’s membrane rupture. However, some patients with KC experience graft rejection-like inflammatory reactions within 2 months (usually in the first week) after DALK. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics and influencing factors of these reactions by reviewing the records of patients who underwent DALK or penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for KC or other corneal problems.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent DALK for KC (DALK/KC), PKP for KC (PKP/KC), or DALK for other corneal problems (DALK/non-KC) at Ban Buntane Hotokukai Hospital between January 2006 and December 2015 and who were followed for more than 1 year. We collected data on the characteristics and incidence of severe inflammatory graft reactions in the early postoperative phase (ie, within 2 months after keratoplasty) and visual outcomes after these inflammatory reactions.

Results

Postoperative inflammatory reactions characterized by persistent epithelial defects, loose suture with infiltration, and vessel invasion occurred in seven of eleven DALK/KC patients, three of 50 DALK/non-KC patients, and none of five PKP/KC patients. These reactions were nonresponsive to topical steroids, and suture removal was required. Although a clear corneal graft in the pupillary area was obtained and best-corrected visual acuity was good after the resolution of inflammation, a risk of corneal astigmatism remained.

Conclusion

The incidence of these reactions in the early postoperative period is high after DALK for KC. These reactions do not respond well to topical steroids, and suture removal may be required, which may cause high astigmatism after the inflammation subsides. Lamellar keratoplasty should be considered carefully for patients with KC.

The challenging management of pediatric corneal transplantation: an overview of surgical and clinical experiences

PURPOSE

Pediatric keratoplasty is an immense challenge because of the technical complexity of the procedure and the high risk of rejection in young graft recipients. Our aim is to describe the major indications and appropriate timing of corneal transplantation intervention, including a report of our experience and surgical tips, in conjunction with the current literature.

METHODS

Review of the literature on indications for keratoplasty in pediatric patients classified as: congenital, traumatic and acquired non-traumatic opacities. We additionally explored the challenges corneal surgeons face in performing this type of surgery and review the most pressing transplant-related problems and their management.

RESULTS

Outcomes after pediatric keratoplasty, in terms of visual development, restoration and clarity of the graft, are influenced by peri-operative local and systemic conditions and factors, and by intraoperative management of the transplantation procedure itself.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric corneal transplantation is a critical tool for visual restoration and development in young patients with corneal opacities, particularly during the critical period of visual development. Successful management of the significant challenges associated with pediatric keratoplasty requires customized clinical and surgical management of each patient with particular attention paid to proper post-operative rehabilitation.

Presumed allograft stromal rejection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in a boy presenting with interface fluid syndrome

Selective anterior lamellar corneal replacement procedures have resulted in fewer allograft rejections compared with penetrating keratoplasty. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty offers several advantages over conventional penetrating keratoplasty, significantly reducing the lifetime endothelial rejection. We report the case of a child with a presumed immune-mediated stromal rejection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty who presented with interface fluid, confirmed by optical coherence tomography, that subsequently resolved after prompt topical steroid treatment.