Combined HLA matched limbal stem cells allograft with amniotic membrane transplantation as a prophylactic surgical procedure to prevent corneal graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty: case report

• Main Authors: Paolo Capozzi, Sergio Petroni, Luca Buzzonetti
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2014-09-01
• Series: Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità
• Subjects: limbal stem cells; HLA matched allograft; corneal transplantation; amniotic membrane transplantation
• Online Access: http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0021-25712014000300013&lng=en&tlng=en

Purpose. To determine if the use of combined HLA matched limbal stem cells allograft with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is a safe and effective prophylactic surgical procedure to prevent corneal graft after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods. We report the case of a 17 years old patient with a history of congenital glaucoma, trabeculectomy and multiple corneal graft rejections, presenting total limbal cell deficiency. To reduce the possibility of graft rejection in the left eye after a new PK, a two step procedure was performed. At first the patient underwent a combined HLA matched limbal stem cells allograft (LAT) and AMT and then, 10 months later, a new PK. Results. During 12 months of follow-up, the corneal graft remained stable and smooth, with no sign of graft rejection. Conclusions. In our patient, the prophylactic use of LAT from HLA-matched donors and AMT before PK, may result in a better prognosis of corneal graft survival.