Post penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma: cumulative effect of quantifiable risk factors

Risk Factors for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension and Post-Transplant Complications in Keratoconus: A Multivariable Analysis

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for glaucoma in patients with keratoconus following keratoplasty and to identify potential factors that could affect post-transplant complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 192 keratoconus patients who underwent keratoplasty. Data on treatment history, perioperative information, tissue bank data, postoperative regimens, complications, and infections were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with glaucoma and transplant complications. Results: There was a 41.6% incidence of glaucoma (high IOP) (p < 0.001), with the median time to glaucoma development being 314 ± 67 days post-transplant. A significant number of patients required surgical intervention, accounting for 48.05%. Our analysis revealed a 14% graft failure rate. On univariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, the following factors demonstrated statistically significant associations with the risk of glaucoma after transplantation: donor endothelial cell density, the use of a single continuous suture type, and the surgeon (performing the surgery). For many variables, the only factor that remained significant was the surgeon. Among the factors analyzed for risks of failure post-transplantation, significant associations were observed for the donor age, the time from harvest to transplant, and the surgeon. In the multivariable analysis, donor age emerged as a significant predictor of post-transplant complications. Conclusions: Risk factors such as donor endothelial cell density, suture type, surgeon, host and donor size, and host gender were found to increase the risk of developing glaucoma post-keratoplasty. Surgeon type was identified as a significant risk factor, while donor age was predictive of post-transplant complications.

Evaluation of Schlemm Canal Parameters Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Eyes That Underwent Keratoplasty

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to evaluate Schlemm canal parameters using anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography in eyes that underwent keratoplasty and compare them with keratoconus and healthy control groups.

METHODS

The study included 32 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty once due to keratoconus and age-matched and sex-matched 20 keratoconus patients and 30 healthy controls. In all the patients, a single horizontal image centered on the central cornea was obtained from the nasal and temporal quadrants with low-intensity scanning to visualize Schlemm canal.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for age and gender ( P ˃0.05). In the keratoplasty group, the area and diameter of Schlemm canal were 2.266±1.141μm 2 and 160.77±65.08 μm, respectively, in the nasal quadrant and 2.623±1.277 μm 2 and 158.81±68.05 μm, respectively in the temporal quadrant, which were statistically significantly lower compared with other groups ( P <0.001 for all). There was no significant difference between the penetrating and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty subgroups for Schlemm canal parameters.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to report anterior segment optical coherence tomography after surgery shows SC parameters that are, on average, less than age-matched and keratoconus controls.

Incidence and risk factors for glaucoma development and progression after corneal transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cumulative incidence and risk factors for glaucoma development and progression within 1-2 years following corneal transplant surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), Boston keratoprosthesis type I (KPro) implantation, or endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK or DMEK) under previous PK (EK under previous PK) at one academic institution with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. Primary outcome measures were cumulative incidence of glaucoma development and progression after corneal transplant, in patients without and with preoperative glaucoma, respectively. Risk factors for glaucoma development and progression were also assessed.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-one eyes of 431 patients undergoing PK (113), DALK (17), DSEK (71), DMEK (168), KPro (35) and EK under previous PK (27) with a mean follow-up of 22.9 months were analyzed. The 1-year cumulative incidence for glaucoma development and progression was 28.0% and 17.8% in patients without and with preoperative glaucoma, respectively. In a Cox proportional hazards analysis, DSEK surgery, KPro implantation, average intraocular pressure (IOP) through follow-up and postoperative IOP spikes of ≥30 mmHg were each independently associated with glaucoma development or progression (p < 0.04 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of patients developed glaucoma or exhibited glaucoma progression within 1 year after corneal transplantation. Patient selection for DSEK may partly explain the higher risk for glaucoma in these patients. Postoperative IOP spikes should be minimized and may indicate the need for co-management with a glaucoma specialist.

Comparison of long-term outcomes of trabeculectomy and risk factors for failure in eyes post penetrating keratoplasty or Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy, graft survival, and risk factors for failure in post penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) eyes.

Methods:

We reviewed charts of eyes that underwent trabeculectomy for post keratoplasty glaucoma PK [25 eyes] and DSEK [14 eyes] between 1993 and 2019. The demographics, clinical features, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Success of trabeculectomy was defined as complete when the intraocular pressure (IOP) was >5 and ≤21 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications (AGM) and qualified with AGM. Clear and compact graft was considered for graft success.

Results:

Median (interquartile range [IQR] preoperative IOP in post-PK eyes and post-DSEK eyes was comparable, 32 (28–38) vs. 31.5 (25–36) mmHg, P = 0.38). Median number of preoperative AGMs was comparable (P = 0.78). Median postoperative follow-up was longer in post-PK, compared with post-DSEK, 2.5 (1.3–3.3) vs. 1 (0.3–2.9) years (P = 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for complete and qualified success of trabeculectomy at 3 years were 23.7% and 73.3%, respectively, for PK and 45.8% and 71.6%, respectively, for DSEK. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for graft survival were 91.8% up to 3 years for PK and 100% until 2 years and 77.8% at 3 years for DSEK. Higher IOP prior to trabeculectomy was a risk factor for failure of trabeculectomy (P = 0.03) and older age was a risk factor for graft failure (P = 0.05) in PK eyes. Number of prior corneal surgeries (P = 0.05) was associated with failure of trabeculectomy and graft failure in post-DSEK eyes.

Conclusion:

Trabeculectomy had moderate qualified success in post-PK and DSEK eyes at 3 years. Higher pretrabeculectomy IOP and higher number of prior corneal surgeries were significantly associated with failure of trabeculectomy in PK and DSEK eyes, respectively.

Long-term Results of Intraocular Pressure Elevation and Post-DMEK Glaucoma After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE

Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation occurs regularly after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). This study evaluated the long-term incidence of IOP elevation and post-DMEK glaucoma after DMEK.

METHODS

A total of 463 consecutive DMEKs in 352 patients performed between September 2011 and September 2014 at the Universitätsmedizin-Charité Berlin were reviewed. Data of the second treated eye of each patient and of re-DMEKs during the follow-up were excluded. The 12- and 36-month incidence of IOP elevation and post-DMEK glaucoma was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. IOP elevation was defined as IOP ≥22 mm Hg or ≥10 mm Hg from preoperative baseline. COX regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for IOP elevation and the development of a post-DMEK glaucoma.

RESULTS

The 12-month incidence of IOP elevation was 15.9% [95 confidence interval (CI), 12.0%-19.8%] and that of post-DMEK glaucoma was 3.9% (95 CI, 1.7%-6.1%); the 36-month incidence was 18.8% (95 CI, 14.5%-23.1%) and that of post-DMEK glaucoma was 6.6% (95 CI, 3.7%-9.5%). The most frequent cause was steroid-induced IOP elevation with a 12-month incidence of 11.7% (95 CI, 8.2%-15.2%) and a 36-month incidence of 12.9% (95 CI, 9.2%-16.6%), respectively. The incidence of postoperative pupillary block IOP elevation was 7.5% (95 CI, 4.8%-10.2%). A preexisting glaucoma increased the risk of IOP elevation [P < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) 3.331; 95% CI, 1.919-5.782] and the development of a post-DMEK glaucoma (P < 0.001, HR 6.633; 95% CI, 2.556-17.215). The preoperative diagnosis also influenced the risk of IOP elevation [Fuchs corneal dystrophy (FED) vs. bullous keratopathy; P = 0.012, HR 2.354; 95% CI, 1.203-4.608] and post-DMEK glaucoma (FED vs. graft failure; P = 0.01, HR 4.412; 95% CI, 1.419-13.723, FED vs. bullous keratopathy; P = 0.09, HR 2.679; 95% CI, 0.858-8.358).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of IOP elevation is high in the first 12 months after DMEK, especially steroid-induced IOP elevation. Steroid-induced IOP elevation could be treated effectively by tapering down the steroid medication or changing the steroid drug. A preexisting glaucoma and the preoperative diagnosis increase the risk for an IOP elevation and a post-DMEK glaucoma.

Prevalence and risk factors to develop ocular hypertension and glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the development of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty, in the Eye Clinic of the city of Bogotá.

METHOD

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and 130 eyes of patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty were analyzed at the Eye Clinic in Bogotá, between January 2015 and August 2018. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and it was determined by bivariate analysis, the association factors and the prevalence of the pathology under study.

RESULTS

Prevalence of ocular hypertension was 27.69% and glaucoma 10%. Average age 48.93 ± 18.63 years; higher frequency of presentation in men (61.5%). Statistically significant association factors were male sex (PR 2.59), presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PR 1.83), history of trauma (PR 2.16), prior PK (PR 2.10) and graft failure (PR 2.04). Post-KP glaucoma only had statistically significant association with bullous keratopathy (PR 2.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular hypertension and glaucoma had a high prevalence after penetrating keratoplasty, and the association factors were similar to those reported in other international studies. Knowing these factors, allows focusing surveillance and treatment in these patients to avoid blindness due to damage of the optic nerve or corneal graft.

Prevalence and risk factors to develop ocular hypertension and glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the development of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty, in the Eye Clinic of the city of Bogotá.

METHOD

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and 130 eyes of patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty were analyzed at the Eye Clinic in Bogotá, between January 2015 and August 2018. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and it was determined by bivariate analysis, the association factors and the prevalence of the pathology under study.

RESULTS

Prevalence of ocular hypertension was 27.69% and glaucoma 10%. Average age 48.93 ± 18.63 years; higher frequency of presentation in men (61.5%). Statistically significant association factors were male sex (PR 2.59), presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PR 1.83), history of trauma (PR 2.16), prior PK (PR 2.10) and graft failure (PR 2.04). Post-KP glaucoma only had statistically significant association with bullous keratopathy (PR 2.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular hypertension and glaucoma had a high prevalence after penetrating keratoplasty, and the association factors were similar to those reported in other international studies. Knowing these factors, allows focusing surveillance and treatment in these patients to avoid blindness due to damage of the optic nerve or corneal graft.

Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy in post penetrating keratoplasty steroid-induced ocular hypertension

PURPOSE

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (OHTN) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) may cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and graft failure. The purpose of this study is to report the first case of a post PKP patient with poorly controlled IOP, successfully treated with Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy in both eyes.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient was a 62-year old male with prior PKP in both eyes for lattice corneal degeneration. After an uncomplicated phacoemulsification in the left eye, his IOP increased to 32 mmHg on maximum tolerated IOP lowering therapy, including oral acetazolamide. This patient was dependent on scleral contact lenses for his irregular astigmatism post PKP to achieve his best-corrected visual acuity. Thus, we needed to consider a conjunctival sparing procedure and decided to proceed with performing a KDB goniotomy in the left eye. At 29 months follow up the visual acuity (VA) remained at 20/20 and IOP 13 mmHg on dorzolamide/timolol combination drop. A year following, his right eye also required KDB goniotomy combined with cataract surgery to treat his cataract and elevated IOP of 28 mm Hg. At 18 months post KDB goniotomy, the right eye VA was 20/50 and IOP 13 mmHg on dorzolamide/timolol combination drop.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates KDB goniotomy may be a good surgical alternative for post PKP steroid-induced OHTN or glaucoma, especially in patients requiring scleral contact lens for their visual rehabilitation.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Treatment Outcomes of Intraocular Hypertension and/or Glaucoma Post-Penetrating Keratoplasty: A 5-Year Lebanese Retrospective Descriptive Study

Purpose

Glaucoma is one of the most common complications post-penetrating keratoplasty (PK). In this study, we report the Incidence, risk factors and treatment outcomes of intraocular hypertension (IOH) or/and glaucoma post-penetrating keratoplasty (PKG).

Methods

A 5-year descriptive retrospective study, Lebanese patients who underwent PK at Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital, between 2012 and 2017, were included. Patients with history of glaucoma were excluded. IOH/PKG cases that necessitate treatment were identified and analyzed for the incidence, risk factors and treatment outcomes.

Results

A total of 189 eyes of 159 patients were included, with male/female ratio 1.6 and the mean age 47.2±21.3 years. Bullous keratopathy (BK) presented with a high mean age: 70.3 years while ectasia patients were the youngest: 36.5 years. 34.9% of eyes developed high IOP within a mean of 25 months of follow-up distributed between sub-groups of patient with corneal ectasia (22.5%), redo-PK (51.2%), bullous keratopathy (BK) (50%), keratitis (24.9%), and others (dystrophy, trauma …) (21.4%). High IOP developed in 67.4% of the diabetic patients. Visual acuity was less likely to improve in cases developing elevated IOP while postoperative complications were significantly high. In those refractory to medical treatment, trabeculectomy as a glaucoma surgery was effective in lowering the IOP. Combining procedures with PK was not a risk factor for glaucoma. Interrupted sutures and higher number of suturing were associated with increased IOP levels.

Conclusion

IOH developed in one out of three patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty. DM, bullous keratopathy, infectious keratitis and redo-PK were highly associated with PKG, whereas high IOP was less likely to develop in cases with keratoconus. Glaucoma is considered a poor prognostic factor in patients post-PK.

Long-term Outcomes on de novo Ocular Hypertensive Response to Topical Corticosteroids After Corneal Transplantation

PURPOSE

To determine incidence, demographics, management, and outcomes of topical steroid-induced ocular hypertension after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and to establish effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and graft rejection when alternate corticosteroids are used.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of 568 consecutive PKPs performed between 1997 and 2010 was conducted. Data were collected on demographics, best-corrected visual acuity, surgical indications, lens status, IOP, postoperative management, and incidence of rejection.

RESULTS

Eighty eyes (14.1%) of 74 patients were included. The most common indication was keratoconus (28.8%). Twenty-seven eyes (33.8%) were phakic, 46 (57.4%) had a posterior chamber intraocular lens, and 7 (8.8%) had an anterior chamber intraocular lens. Mean postoperative IOP increase was only significant in the anterior chamber intraocular lens group (18.7 mm Hg, SD 10.4; P = 0.02). The average time for developing hypertension was 9.8 months (SD 14.8) postoperatively, with an average IOP increase of 13.3 mm Hg (SD 5.9). Prednisolone acetate 1% was switched to rimexolone 1% in 64 eyes (80%) and to fluorometholone 0.1% in 16 eyes (20%), which alone achieved IOP normalization in 26 eyes (32.5%) (P < 0.01). Fifty-four eyes (67.5%) required additional antiglaucoma medication. An average IOP reduction of 12.3 mm Hg (SD 6.9) was achieved at an average of 2.3 months (SD 5.2) after the switch. Seventeen eyes (21%) developed glaucoma and 13 eyes (16.3%) developed graft rejection after switching formulations, with no statistically significant differences between rimexolone and fluorometholone (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of alternate topical corticosteroids may be considered in cases of steroid-induced ocular hypertension after PKP because they offer good antiinflammatory prophylaxis with reduced hypertensive response.

Incidence and risk factors for postkeratoplasty glaucoma in tertiary care center, India

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and its early diagnosis and management is mandatory to salvage the graft.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for post penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma (PKG).

METHODS

Data of 155 eyes of 155 patients were reviewed retrospectively who underwent PK from March 2013 to February 2016. Data were analyzed from recipient records for recipient age, sex, indications, type of PK, lens status, recipient graft size or any additional procedure. Detailed ophthalmological examination was recorded for all cases including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry or tonopen, central corneal thickness (CCT) and gonioscopy. IOP measurement records were reviewed at each visit of one week, two weeks,one, three and six months and if IOP was elevated (>22 mmHg) medical management was initiated. Uncontrolled IOP with antiglaucoma medication (AGM) required surgical management.

RESULTS

Overall incidence of raised IOP after PK was 32.25%. Increase in IOP post PK was reported mainly in 32 (64%) among age group >40 years. Raised IOP showed significant association with age group, indications of PK, recipient size and CCT (P value 0.00, 0.01, 0.00, 0.00) respectively. Two weeks after PK 46 (29.67%) patients reported an increase in IOP ,47(30.32 %) after 1 months, 33 (21.29%) at 3 months and 30 (19.35%) at 6 months. In 11 (39.28%) cases cataract was major long term complication seen in PKG cases. 35 (70%) cases of PKG were treated medically and 15 (30%) patients required surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Subjects with age group >40 years, corneal opacity, increased recepient size and increased CCT are risk factors for PKG. IOP monitoring in early post operative period especially one month after PK is mandatory to avoid graft failure due to PKG which is difficult to diagnose otherwise.