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Comparison of Endothelial Cell Loss in Autografts vs Allografts

Eckart Bertelmann, MD; Christian Hartmann, MD, PhD; Matthias Scherer, MD; Peter Rieck, MD, PhD

Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122:1437-1440.

Background  The nature of chronic endothelial cell loss in homologous corneal grafts is still unclear. Possible causes are cell migration to the recipient bed and chronic subclinical immune reaction.

Objectives  To compare endothelial cell loss after autologous rotational keratoplasty and homologous keratoplasty and present the clinical outcome of patients after rotational keratoplasty.

Methods  In this open prospective study, we included 7 consecutive patients who underwent rotational keratoplasty between 1998 and 2000 in our hospital. Patients were examined clinically every 3 months, and visual acuity, astigmatism, and endothelial cell density were evaluated. Endothelial cell densities were compared with endothelial cell counts of 293 homologous keratoplasties.

Results  Mean follow-up for autologous grafts was 39 months. Mean increase in visual acuity was 3.5 lines. Mean astigmatism was 4.75 diopters in the autologous graft group. Mean preoperative endothelial cell density was 2058 (637 cells/mm²). Mean endothelial cell density after 1 year was 1865 (639 cells/mm²), which represents a mean ± SD cell loss of 15% ± 7.19%. At the end of follow-up, endothelial cell number after autologous grafting was 1630 ± 622 cells/mm². Endothelial cell loss after 1 year in homologous grafts was 40% ± 21.34%. There was 1 decompensation of autologous graft in the follow-up period.

Main Outcome Measure  Comparison of endothelial cell count at different postoperative time points using nonpaired t test.

Conclusions  Endothelial cell loss in autologous grafts is significantly lower than in homologous grafts, which supports the hypothesis that chronic endothelial cell loss is due to chronic subclinical immune reactions in homologous grafts. Autologous keratoplasties can lead to good functional results and can be superior to homologous corneal grafting in suitable situations.

From the Augenklinik Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article.

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