Oral acetazolamide after Boston keratoprosthesis in Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Keratoprosthesis in dry eye disease

Bilateral corneal blindness with severe dry eye disease (DED), total limbal stem cell deficiency with underlying corneal stromal scarring and vascularization, combined with adnexal complications secondary to chronic cicatrizing conjunctivitis is a highly complex situation to treat. In such eyes, procedures such as penetrating keratoplasty alone or combined with limbal stem cell transplantation are doomed to fail. In these eyes, keratoprosthesis (Kpro) or an artificial cornea is the most viable option, eliminating corneal blindness even in eyes with autoimmune disorders such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid, Sjogren's syndrome, and nonautoimmune disorders such as chemical/thermal ocular burns, all of which are complex pathologies. Performing a Kpro in these eyes also eliminates the need for systemic immunosuppression and may provide relatively early visual recovery. In such eyes, the donor cornea around the central cylinder of the Kpro needs to be covered with a second layer of protection to avoid desiccation and progressive stromal melt of the underlying cornea, which is a common complication in eyes with severe DED. In this review, we will focus on Kpro designs that have been developed to survive in eyes with the hostile environment of severe DED. Their outcomes in such eyes will be discussed.

Treatment of Oculoplastic and Ocular Surface Disease in Eyes Implanted with a Type I Boston Keratoprosthesis in Southern China: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to describe the clinical features, surgical management of the eyelid and ocular surface, and outcomes of 16 patients implanted with a Boston type I keratoprosthesis (KPro).

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center, consecutive case series of 16 patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (1), ocular chemical burns (12), and ocular thermal burns (3) implanted with KPro was studied. All subjects were men aged 27-51 years. Surgical treatment and outcomes for eyelid malposition, symblepharon, and glaucoma were assessed.

RESULTS

From September 2010 to February 2019, 29 patients were admitted to Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center for KPro implantation, of whom 16 (55%) required eyelid or ocular surface surgeries to maintain hydration and protect the corneal tissue, which is vulnerable to epithelial defects. Forty-one adnexal surgical procedures were performed. The most common indication for surgery was symblepharon, and the most frequent procedures were symblepharon lysis with ocular mucous membrane grafts and amniotic membranes (7) and full-thickness skin grafts to the eyelids (7). Preoperative conjunctival injection and corneal staining were documented in 9 (56%) and 8 (50%) eyes, respectively, and at up to 4 months postoperative follow-up (the last adnexal surgery before KPro) were recorded in 3 (19%, p = 0.03) and 2 (12%, p = 0.02) eyes, respectively. Glaucoma drainage devices were inserted in six patients. One patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome underwent FP7 Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation inferotemporally and developed plate exposure 2 months postoperatively. Five patients underwent FP8 AGV implantation with tube insertion into the vitreous cavity due to the scarred conjunctiva and limited subconjunctival space. In the study period, intraocular pressure (IOP) was in the normal range, and no tube or plate exposure was observed.

CONCLUSION

The ocular environment is critical for successful KPro surgery. A multidisciplinary approach for any lid and ocular surface abnormality in ocular burns or Stevens-Johnson syndrome is important to improve the quality of the ocular surface and accommodate KPro and AGV, which is vital for maintaining vision after KPro surgery. FP8 AGV may be feasible for IOP control in adult KPro cases with restricted subconjunctival space.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis--A Comprehensive Review and Guide to Therapy. I. Systemic Disease

The intent of this review is to comprehensively appraise the state of the art with regard to Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), with particular attention to the ocular surface complications and their management. SJS and TEN represent two ends of a spectrum of immune-mediated, dermatobullous disease, characterized in the acute phase by a febrile illness followed by skin and mucous membrane necrosis and detachment. The widespread keratinocyte death seen in SJS/TEN is rapid and irreversible, and even with early and aggressive intervention, morbidity is severe and mortality not uncommon. We have divided this review into two parts. Part I summarizes the epidemiology and immunopathogenesis of SJS/TEN and discusses systemic therapy and its possible benefits. We hope this review will help the ophthalmologist better understand the mechanisms of disease in SJS/TEN and enhance their care of patients with this complex and often debilitating disease. Part II (April 2016 issue) will focus on ophthalmic manifestations.

Mucosal complications of modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis in chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome

PURPOSE

To describe clinical outcomes of complications afflicting the autologous oral mucous membrane graft after modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis surgery in chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

This study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with SJS-induced dry keratinized ocular surfaces; the patients underwent various stages of this procedure between August 2009 and February 2012. Mucosal complications were classified as either necrosis or overgrowth. Mucosal necrosis was managed according to a predesigned algorithm based on timing (pre- and postimplantation) and location (central or peripheral) of necrosis. Cases with mucosal overgrowth underwent mucosal debulking and trimming.

RESULTS

Mucosal necrosis developed in 15 (50%) eyes and overgrowth in 4 (13.3%) eyes. Preimplantation necrosis (n = 7) was initially managed conservatively, but 2 eyes required free labial-mucous membrane grafting for persistent corneal exposure. Free labial-mucous membrane grafting was performed in all cases of postimplantation necrosis (n = 10), but 8 eyes required additional tarsal pedicle flaps (n = 6, for peripheral necrosis) or through-the-lid revisions (n = 2, for central necrosis). Debulking and trimming effectively managed all cases of mucosal overgrowth, but 3 eyes required repeat procedures. At 24.1 ± 6.5 months postimplantation, the keratoprosthesis was retained in all eyes, and the probability of maintaining 20/60 or better vision was similar in eyes with or without mucosal necrosis (86 ± 8.8% vs 80 ± 10.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Mucosal complications, especially necrosis, occurred commonly following modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis surgery in dry keratinized post-SJS eyes. The algorithm-based management approach described in this study was successful in treating these complications, retaining the prosthesis and preserving useful vision.