Title | Long-term results of standardized, non-xenogenic, cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell transplantations. |
Abstract Nr. | 3004 |
Purpose | To evaluate the long-term success rate of transplanted non-xenogenic, bio-engineered, composite grafts of cultured limbal epithelial cells on standardized amniotic membranes in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. |
Methods | We report the extended outcome of standardized cultivated limbal stem cell transplantations of a phase I/II clinical trial. Between July 2008 and May 2012, 21 patients with partial (n=3) or total (n=18) limbal stem cell deficiency received either autologous (n=15) or allogenic (n=6) stem cell grafts, using a protocol free from xenogenic products and a reduced manipulation surgical technique. The outcome measures were compared with short-term results (mean follow-up of 22 months) of the same trial, in which a 67% success rate was seen. |
Results | Five patients were lost to follow-up and 2 patients were excluded because of unrelated side effects. The remaining 14 patients had a mean follow-up of 68 months (range 29-100 months). Of these, 7 (50%) patients were graded as anatomical success. Three of the 7 patients retained a persistent intact epithelium without corneal neovascularization and were subclassified as ‘total’ anatomical success. Four of the 7 patients were subclassified as ‘partial’ anatomical success meaning a complete epithelialization with a mild revascularization, but less than ad admission. There was no significant improvement of visual acuity, pain or photophobia in the total cohort. |
Conclusion | Cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation offers a safe alternative in the reconstruction of the anterior cornea. However, compared to early post-operative results, there is a decline of anatomical and functional success over time. |
Conflict of interest | No |
Last name | BEHAEGEL |
Initials | J |
Department | UZA |
City | Edegem |
Last name | Ní Dhubhghaill |
Initials | S |
Department | UZA |
City | Edegem |
Last name | Koppen |
Initials | C |
Department | UZA |
City | Edegem |
Last name | Leysen |
Initials | I |
Department | UZA |
City | Edegem |
Last name | Tassignon |
Initials | MJ |
Department | UZA |
City | Edegem |
Last name | Zakaria |
Initials | N |
Department | UZA |
City | Edegem |