Efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil combined with topical 0.05%tacrolimus in high-risk keratoplasty:1-year cohort study

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of systemic mycophenolate mofetil(MMF)as an adjunct in combination with topical tacrolimus(FK506)and corticosteroid eyedrops for preventing corneal graft rejection after high-risk keratoplasty(HRK).METHODS:In this cohort study,55 consecutive patients(55 eyes)from an eye center who met the criteria of HRK were included.The definition for HRK includes large grafts of no less than 9 mm diameter,vascularized cornea of two or more quadrants,regrafting,or eccentric grafts.After penetrating keratoplasty,25 patients treated with systemic MMF in combination with 0.05%FK506 and tapering corticosteroid eyedrops were enrolled in Group 1 from October 2019.Thirty patients receiving postoperative treatment with 0.05%FK506 and tapering corticosteroid eyedrops alone were enrolled in Group 2 from January 2018 to September 2019.All participants were closely monitored after surgery,and episodes of graft rejection and relevant clinical data were collected and assessed over a one-year follow-up period.RESULTS:After a follow-up of 9.6±3.2mo,graft rejection episodes occurred in 4 cases(16%)in Group 1 and 18 cases(60%)in Group 2.One reversible and 3 irreversible graft rejections occurred in Group 1,while 3 reversible and 15 irreversible rejections occurred in Group 2.Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 82.5%of grafts in Group 1 and 37.1%in Group 2 did not experience corneal graft rejection(P<0.01,log-rank test).The clear graft survival rate was 83.6%in Group 1 and 36.7%in Group 2(P<0.01,log-rank test)within one year of follow-up.No severe systemic side effects were observed in either group during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION:The triple treatment regimen consisting of MMF,topical FK506,and corticosteroid eyedrops represents a promising strategy for effectively preventing graft rejection and improving graft survival in patients with HRK.

A functional tacrolimus-releasing nerve wrap for enhancing nerve regeneration following surgical nerve repair

Axonal regeneration following surgical nerve repair is slow and often incomplete,resulting in poor functional recovery which sometimes contributes to lifelong disability.Currently,there are no FDA-approved therapies available to promote nerve regeneration.Tacrolimus accelerates axonal regeneration,but systemic side effects presently outweigh its potential benefits for peripheral nerve surgery.The authors describe herein a biodegradable polyurethane-based drug delivery system for the sustained local release of tacrolimus at the nerve repair site,with suitable properties for scalable production and clinical application,aiming to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery with minimal systemic drug exposure.Tacrolimus is encapsulated into co-axially electrospun polycarbonate-urethane nanofibers to generate an implantable nerve wrap that releases therapeutic doses of bioactive tacrolimus over 31 days.Size and drug loading are adjustable for applications in small and large caliber nerves,and the wrap degrades within 120 days into biocompatible byproducts.Tacrolimus released from the nerve wrap promotes axon elongation in vitro and accelerates nerve regeneration and functional recovery in preclinical nerve repair models while off-target systemic drug exposure is reduced by 80%compared with systemic delivery.Given its surgical suitability and preclinical efficacy and safety,this system may provide a readily translatable approach to support axonal regeneration and recovery in patients undergoing nerve surgery.

Late corneal ectasia after penetrating and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus

AIM:To investigate tomographic features of late corneal ectasia after keratoplasty for keratoconus and compare penetrating keratoplasty(PK)and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty(DALK)in terms of incidence,time of onset and risk factors of corneal ectasia.METHODS:Sixty eyes with PK and 30 eyes with DALK operated between 1999 and 2021 were analyzed.Final Pentacam scans were evaluated together with vision and previous topographies.Main outcome measures were vision,K values,apparent thinning on graft-host cornea and the difference between opposing quadrants in the thinnest point measurements.Anterior segment optic coherence tomography was performed for further evaluation.RESULTS:Mean follow-up was 127.2mo(24–282mo)in PK,and 64.3mo(24–144mo)in DALK.K max was higher in DALK(60.6 vs 56.7 D,P=0.012).Inferior recipient was thinner(595.9μm)in PK than DALK(662.2μm,P=0.021),due to longer follow-up.Overall corneal ectasia rate was 20.0% within 24y.Ectasia rate was the same(6.7%)in DALK 2/30 and in PK 4/60 in 10y and 13.3%in 12y(4/30 and 8/60,respectively).It increased to 23.3%(14/60)in PK over 24y.While ectasia was not seen before 7y in PK,it could be seen in DALK starting from the 5^(th) year.The intervals between keratoplasty and ectasia were 144.5mo in PK and 99mo in DALK.Inferior recipient was significantly thinner in 18 eyes with ectasia(502.7μm)compared to 76 non-ectasia(649.1μm,P=0.000).Inferior graft was thinner(561.0 vs 620.4μm,P=0.006),K max(63.3 vs 56.5 D,P=0.000),and anterior elevation was higher in ectasia(89.1 vs 48.6μm,P=0.002).Accelerated crosslinking was performed on 5 eyes.CONCLUSION:Inferior-superior recipient and inferior graft thinning on tomography,with high K max and anterior elevation emerge as the most reliable criteria for the diagnosis of late ectasia.The incidence of corneal ectasia increases with the time.

Donor cornea quality used for penetrating keratoplasty vs deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty(DALK) has recently been introduced as an alternative procedure to penetrating keratoplasty(PK) for corneal pathologies not affecting the corneal endothelium. DALK does not rely on donor endothelium and requires less rigid criteria for donor corneal tissue quality. Therefore, DALK makes it possible to use donor corneas deemed unsuitable for PK. Furthermore, lamellar keratoplasty allows acellular corneal tissue to be transplanted. As a result, long-term preservation techniques are being revisited to increase the availability of donor corneas and subsequently alleviate constraints of availability, cost, storage, and transportation in many countries. The recent alterations in corneal transplantation techniques and hence the type of donor cornea tissues used for each technique, may require corneal surgeons and eye banks to reevaluate their selection criteria. The purpose of this systematic review is to present an updated analysis on the type and quality of donor corneas used for PK and DALK, assess the influence of donor and eye bank factors on the quality of donor corneas, and determine whether any of these donor factors affect clinical outcomes, complications, and graft survivals.

A surgical alternative of fusiform penetrating keratoplasty for the management of severe infectious keratitis

AIM:To describe the surgical procedure of fusiform penetrating keratoplasty(FPK)using multiple trephines of different sizes for treating patients with severe infectious keratitis.METHODS:Fourteen eyes underwent FPK,and 15 eyes received conventional penetrating keratoplasty(PK)were included in the study.The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),refractive outcomes,endothelial cell density,and postoperative complications were recorded.RESULTS:The FPK group was followed for an average of 15.3±2.1mo,whereas the PK group was followed for 16.1±1.9mo.The corneal ulcers were elliptical-shaped in all 14 eyes in the FPK group.The mean BCVA(logMAR,0.26±0.13)showed no statistically significant differences from that in the PK group(logMAR,0.21±0.12,P>0.05)at 1y after surgery.But the mean curvature,mean astigmatism,and mean spherical equivalent in the FPK group were lower than those in the PK group(P<0.05).Peripheral anterior synechia was observed in one patient in the FPK group,whereas 6 patients in the PK group.Suture loosening and neovascularization were observed in 4 and 5 eyes in the PK group,respectively.No graft immune rejection or elevation of intraocular pressure was observed in the two groups.CONCLUSION:For patients with elliptical-shaped corneas or corneal ulcers,FPK can avoid disrupting of corneal limbus,reduce the risk of postoperative complications,and can result in satisfactory visual quality.

Glaucoma drainage device implantation and cyclophotocoagulation in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

AIM:To compare the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device implantation(GDI)and trans-scleral neodymium:YAG cyclophotocoagulation(CPC)in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemetstripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(DSAEK).METHODS:This retrospective study on observational case series enrolled 29 patients who underwent DSAEK and posterior anti-glaucoma surgery(15 with GDI and 14 with CPC).The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure(IOP),glaucoma surgery success rate(defined as IOP of 6–21 mm Hg without additional anti-glaucoma operation),number of glaucoma medications,endothelial graft status,and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA).RESULTS:The mean follow-up time was 34.1 and 21.0mo for DSAEK or glaucoma surgeries,both for the GDI and CPC groups.Both groups showed significant IOP reduction after glaucoma surgery.The GDI group presented a significantly higher success rate in IOP control than the CPC group(60%vs 21.4%,P=0.03).Both procedures significantly decreased the number of glaucoma medications(P=0.03).Forty percent and 57%of cases in the GDI and the CPC group,respectively,experienced endothelial graft failure during follow-up(P=0.36).Significantly worse BCVA after surgery was observed in the CPC group but not in the GDI group.CONCLUSION:Both GDI and CPC significantly decrease IOP in eyes with glaucoma after DSAEK.GDI is preferable to CPC in refractory glaucoma cases after DSAEK,as it manifests a significantly higher success rate for IOP control,similar endothelial graft failure rate,and relatively preserves BCVA than CPC.

Relative carcinogenicity of tacrolimus vs mycophenolate after solid organ transplantation and its implications for liver transplant care

BACKGROUND De novo malignancy is a leading cause of late morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients.Cumulative immunosuppression has been shown to contribute to post-transplant malignancy(PTM)risk.There is emerging evidence on the differential carcinogenic risk profile of individual immunosuppressive drugs,independent of the net effect of immunosuppression.Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus may promote tumourigenesis,whereas mycophenolic acid(MPA),the active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil,may limit tumour progression.Liver transplantation(LT)is relatively unique among solid organ transplantation in that immunosuppression monotherapy with either tacrolimus or MPA is often achievable,which makes careful consideration of the risk-benefit profile of these immunosuppression agents particularly relevant for this cohort.However,there is limited clinical data on this subject in both LT and other solid organ transplant recipients.AIM To investigate the relative carcinogenicity of tacrolimus and MPA in solid organ transplantation.METHODS A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and Embase databases using the key terms“solid organ transplantation”,“tacrolimus”,“mycophenolic acid”,and“carcinogenicity”,in order to identify relevant articles published in English between 1st January 2002 to 11th August 2022.Related terms,synonyms and explosion of MeSH terms,Boolean operators and truncations were also utilised in the search.Reference lists of retrieved articles were also reviewed to identify any additional articles.Excluding duplicates,abstracts from 1230 records were screened by a single reviewer,whereby 31 records were reviewed in detail.Full-text articles were assessed for eligibility based on pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.RESULTS A total of 6 studies were included in this review.All studies were large population registries or cohort studies,which varied in transplant era,type of organ transplanted and immunosuppression protocol used.Overall,there was no clear difference demonstrated between tacrolimus and MPA in de novo PTM risk following solid organ transplantation.Furthermore,no study provided a direct comparison of carcinogenic risk between tacrolimus and MPA monotherapy in solid organ transplantation recipients.CONCLUSION The contrasting carcinogenic risk profiles of tacrolimus and MPA demonstrated in previous experimental studies,and its application in solid organ transplantation,is yet to be confirmed in clinical studies.Thus,the optimal choice of immunosuppression drug to use as maintenance monotherapy in LT recipients is not supported by a strong evidence base and remains unclear.

Stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty with corneal crosslinking for corneal ectasia secondary to FS-LASIK:a case series

●AIM:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty(SLAK)with corneal crosslinking(CXL)on patients with corneal ectasia secondary to femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).●METHODS:A series of 5 patients undertaking SLAK with CXL for the treatment of corneal ectasia secondary to FS-LASIK were followed for 4-9mo.The lenticules were collected from patients undertaking small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)for the correction of myopia.Adding a stromal lenticule was aimed at improving the corneal thickness for the safe application of crosslinking and compensating for the thin cornea to improve its mechanical strength.●RESULTS:All surgeries were conducted successfully with no significant complications.Their best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)ranged from 0.05 to 0.8-2 before surgery.The pre-operational total corneal thickness ranged from 345-404μm and maximum keratometry(Kmax)ranged from 50.8 to 86.3.After the combination surgery,both the corneal keratometry(range 55.9 to 92.8)and total corneal thickness(range 413-482μm)significantly increased.Four out of 5 patients had improvement of corneal biomechanical parameters(reflected by stiffness parameter A1 in Corvis ST).However,3 patients showed decreased BCVA after surgery due to the development of irregular astigmatism and transient haze.Despite the onset of corneal edema right after SLAK,the corneal topography and thickness generally stabilized after 3mo.●CONCLUSION:SLAK with CXL is a potentially beneficial and safe therapy for advanced corneal ectasia.Future work needs to address the poor predictability of corneal refractometry and compare the outcomes of different surgical modes.

Tacrolimus-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following liver transplantation

In this editorial,we talk about a compelling case focusing on posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome(PRES)as a complication in patients undergoing liver transplantation and treated with Tacrolimus.Tacrolimus(FK 506),derived from Streptomyces tsukubaensis,is a potent immunosuppressive macrolide.It inhibits Tcell transcription by binding to FK-binding protein,and is able to amplify glucocorticoid and progesterone effects.Tacrolimus effectively prevents allograft rejection in transplant patients but has adverse effects such as Tacrolimus-related PRES.PRES presents with various neurological symptoms alongside elevated blood pressure,and is primarily characterized by vasogenic edema on neuroimaging.While computed tomography detects initial lesions,magnetic resonance imaging,especially the Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery sequence,is superior for diagnosing cortical and subcortical edema.Our discussion centers on the incidence of PRES in solid organ transplant recipients,which ranges between 0.5 to 5+ACU-,with varying presentations,from seizures to visual disturbances.The case of a 66-year-old male status post liver transplantation highlights the diagnostic and management challenges associated with Tacrolimus-related PRES.Radiographically evident in the parietal and occipital lobes,PRES underlines the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers.This editorial emphasizes the importance of early recognition,accurate diagnosis,and effective management of PRES to optimize outcomes in liver transplant patients.The case further explores the balance between the efficacy of immunosuppression with Tacrolimus and its potential neurological risks,underlining the necessity for careful monitoring and intervention strategies in this patient population.

Indications for and techniques of keratoplasty at Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology

AIM： To report the indications for and techniques of corneal transplantation at Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology （VNIO） over a period of 12y （2002-2013）, METHODS： Records of patients who had undergone corneal transplantation at VNIO from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2014 were reviewed to determine the indication for and type of corneal transplant performed. Patient age, gender, indication for corneal transplantation and surgical technique were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS： Corneal transplantation were underwent in 1390 eyes of 1278 patients with a mean age of 44.9±18.1y during the period under review. The most common indication was infectious corneal ulcer （n=670; 48.2%）, followed by corneal scar （n=333, 24.0% ）, corneal dystrophy （n=138, 9.9%） and failed graft （n=112, 8.1%）. Nearly all procedures performed were penetrating keratoplasty （n=1300, 93.5% ）, with a few lamellar keratoplasty procedures performed： lamellar keratoplasty （n=52, 3.7%）, Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty （n =27, 1.9% ） and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty （n =11, 0.8%）.CONCLUSION： While the most common indication for keratoplasty was infectious keratitis, nearly all indications for corneal transplantation were managed with penetrating keratoplasty, However, lamellar keratoplasty techniques, including deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, are being performed with increasing frequency for isolated stromal and endothelial disorders, respectively,

Early tacrolimus exposure does not impact long-term outcomes after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Tacrolimus trough levels(TTL)during the first weeks after liver transplantation(LT)have been related with long-term renal function and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence.Nevertheless,the significance of trough levels of tacrolimus during the early post-transplant period for the long-term outcome is under debate AIM To evaluate the effect of TTL during the first month on the long-term outcomes after LT.METHODS One hundred fifty-five LT recipients treated de novo with once-daily tacrolimus were retrospectively studied.Patients with repeated LT or combined transplantation were excluded as well as those who presented renal dysfunction prior to transplantation and/or those who needed induction therapy.Patients were classified into 2 groups according to their mean TTL within the first month after transplantation:≤10(n=98)and>10 ng/mL(n=57).Multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors for patient mortality.RESULTS Mean levels within the first month post-transplant were 7.4±1.7 and 12.6±2.2 ng/mL in the≤10 and>10 groups,respectively.Donor age was higher in the high TTL group 62.9±16.8 years vs 45.7±17.5 years(P=0.002)whilst mycophenolate-mofetil was more frequently used in the low TTL group 32.7%vs 15.8%(P=0.02).Recipient features were generally similar across groups.After a median follow-up of 52.8 mo(range 2.8-81.1),no significant differences were observed in:Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate(P=0.69),hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence(P=0.44),de novo tumors(P=0.77),new-onset diabetes(P=0.13),or biopsy-proven acute rejection rate(12.2%and 8.8%,respectively;P=0.50).Eighteen patients died during the follow-up and were evenly distributed across groups(P=0.83).Five-year patient survival was 90.5%and 84.9%,respectively(P=0.44),while 5-year graft survival was 88.2%and 80.8%,respectively(P=0.42).Early TTL was not an independent factor for patient mortality in multivariate analyses.CONCLUSION Differences in tacrolimus levels restricted to the first month after transplant did not result in significant differences in long-term outcomes of LT recipients.

Tacrolimus对糖尿病大鼠肾脏巨噬细胞Toll样受体2与4表达的影响

目的探讨Toll样受体(Toll-like receptor,TLR)2和TLR4在糖尿病大鼠肾脏巨噬细胞的表达水平及tacrolimus对其的调节作用。方法将40只Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、tacrolimus(0.5、1.0 mg.kg-1)给药组,通过腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)诱导糖尿病模型,4周后测大鼠血糖、相对肾质量、尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER),应用免疫组化单染及双染方法检测肾组织ED-1+细胞、NF-κB-p-p65+细胞及ED-1+TLR2+细胞、ED-1+TLR4+细胞的表达。结果 ta-crolimus 1.0 mg.kg-1给药组大鼠相对肾质量明显低于模型组(P<0.05),tacrolimus(0.5、1.0 mg.kg-1)给药组大鼠UAER较模型组明显减少(P<0.05或P<0.01)。免疫组化显示:模型组大鼠肾组织ED-1+、ED-1+TLR2+、ED-1+TLR4+及NF-κB-p-p65+细胞数明显高于对照组(P<0.01),tacrolimus 0.5与1.0 mg.kg-1给药组ED-1+细胞数与模型组比较无差异,而ED-1+TLR2+、ED-1+TLR4+及NF-κB-p-p65+细胞数则明显低于模型组(P<0.05)。结论糖尿病大鼠肾脏巨噬细胞TLR2和TLR4的过度表达与巨噬细胞的活化及由此引发的炎症反应有关,tacrolimus可通过直接或间接作用下调肾脏巨噬细胞TLR2与TLR4表达,从而抑制与TLR-NF-κB信号转导及调控途径有关的炎症反应。

''Minimizing tacrolimus' ' strategy and long-term survival after liver transplantation

AIM: To investigate the effect of the ‘‘minimizing tacrolimus' ' strategy on long-term survival of patients after liver transplantation(LT).METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 319 patients who received LT between January 2009 and December 2011 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Following elimination of ineligible patients, 235 patients were included in the study. The relationship between early tacrolimus(TAC)exposure and survival period was analyzed by Kaplan Meier curves. Adverse effects related to TAC were eval-uated by the χ2 test. Routine monitoring of blood TAC concentration(TC) was performed using the PRO-TracTM Ⅱ Tacrolimus Elisa Kit(Diasorin, United States). RESULTS: Of 235 subjects enrolled in the study, 124(52.8%) experienced adverse effects due to TAC. When evaluating mean TC, the survival time of patients with a mean TC < 5 ng/mL was significantly shorter than that in the other groups(911.3 ± 131.6 d vs 1381.1 ± 66.1 d, 911.3 ± 131.6 d vs 1327.3 ± 47.8 d, 911.3 ± 131.6 d vs 1343.2 ± 83.1 d, P < 0.05), while the survival times of patients with a mean TC of 5-7, 7-10 and 10-15 ng/mL were comparable. Adverse effects due to TAC in all four groups were not significantly different. When comparing the standard deviation(SD) of TC among the groups, the survival time of patients with a SD of 2-4 was significantly longer than that in the other groups(1388.8 ± 45.4 d vs 1029.6 ± 131.3 d, 1388.8 ± 45.4 d vs 1274.9 ± 57.0 d, P < 0.05), while in patients with a SD < 2 and SD > 4, the survival time was not statistically different. Adverse effects experienced in all three groups were not statistically different. In Cox regression analysis, male patients and those with a primary diagnosis of benign disease, mean TC > 5 ng/mL and TC SD 2-4 had better outcomes.CONCLUSION: The early ‘‘minimizing tacrolimus' ' strategy with a mean TC of 5-10 ng/mL and SD of 2-4 was beneficial in terms of long-term survival after LT.

Changes in endothelial cell density following penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

· AIM: To compare the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) of clear grafts after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). · METHODS: The study included 44 and 54 patients treated with PK and DALK, respectively, between March 2006 and April 2010. Corneal ECD was examined using specular microscopy at postoperative 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, and the values were compared. · RESULTS: Corneal ECD reduction in the PK group was 7.4%, 15.2%, 23.5%, and 28.9% at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively after surgery, compared with 4.2 % in the first month (P <0.01). These figures were 3.0%, 6.7%, 7.2%, and 7.7% at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively, compared with 2.2 % in the first month in the DALK group (P >0.05). · CONCLUSION: Compared with DALK,PK significantly reduced ECD of the clear grafts. These results suggest that survival of endothelial cells in grafts is better after DALK than after PK. ·

Clinical results of non-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty

AIM： To investigate the impact of non-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty（non-DSEK） on graft rejection rate,and its overall procedural effectiveness in patients.METHODS： Non-DSEK was performed on 65 eyes of 64 patients,and the procedural outcomes,including rejection episodes,failure and dislocation of the grafts,best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）,endothelial cell density（ECD）,and other complications,were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS： Of the 65 eyes,63 recovered from bullous keratopathy with a clear cornea.The mean follow-up time was 26.4mo（range,6-84mo）.The mean BCVA improved from 1.70 log MAR preoperatively to 0.54 log MAR at 3mo,0.46 logM AR at 6mo,and 0.37 logM AR at 1y after surgery.The postoperative donor ECD of the 25 patients who successfully underwent specular microscopic examination was 1918±534 cells/mm^2（range,637 to 3056 cells/mm^2）,and the mean endothelial cell loss was 41.9% at 24 mo postoperatively.One eye developed secondary glaucoma and required regrafting via penetrating keratoplasty（PKP）.Another eye had postoperative graft failure due to rejection at 26 mo.Postoperative graft dislocation occurred in eight eyes.All of the eight dislocated grafts were reattached using air reinjection.CONCLUSION： Immunological graft rejection of the donor graft rarely occurs in non-DSEK.Therefore,non-DSEK is a safe,concise,and effective alternative to restore corneal decompensation when the Descemet membrane is disease-free.

Indications for penetrating keratoplasty and anterior lamellar keratoplasty during 2010-2017

AIM: To review the indications of penetrating keratoplasty(PK) and anterior lamellar keratoplasty(ALK) at Qingdao Eye Hospital, Shandong Eye Institute, Qingdao, China, from 2010 to 2017. METHODS: The data of all patients undergoing PK or ALK from January 2010 to December 2017 was retrospectively reviewed, with the indications during 2010-2013 and 2014-2017 compared. RESULTS: A total of 1869 eyes were included, among which 1405 eyes(75.2%) had PK and 464 eyes(24.8%) had ALK. The leading indications were suppurative keratitis(36.8%), keratoconus(15.5%), herpes keratitis(13.1%), and regraft(10.5%). In eyes undergoing PK, the top four indications were suppurative keratitis(38.7%), herpes keratitis(15.3%), keratoconus(12.6%), and regraft(12.5%) during 2014-2017, with the proportion of suppurative keratitis and herpes keratitis decreased while regraft and keratoconus increased compared with 2010-2013. In eyes with ALK, suppurative keratitis(30.8%), keratoconus(24.1%), corneal dystrophies and degenerations(10.6%), and corneal dermoid tumor(9.7%) were the top four indications, and there was no significant difference for the proportion of each indication between 2010-2013 and 2014-2017. CONCLUSION: Suppurative keratitis is the most common indication for PK and ALK at Qingdao Eye Hospital during 2010-2017, followed by keratoconus, herpes keratitis, and regraft. In eyes treated with PK, the proportion of suppurative keratitis and herpes keratitis decrease while regraft and keratoconus increase during 2014-2017 compared with 2010-2013.

Lamellar keratoplasty with corneoscleral graft for limbal dermoids

To assess the postoperative outcomes of limbal dermoid excision with corneoscleral graft transplantation. The charts of 8 consecutive patients （mean age： 13.0y） who had undergone limbal dermoid excision with lamellar corneosclerai graft transplantation by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Mean dermoid size was 7.75 mm （6.0-12.0 mm）. Mean visual acuities （in IogMAR units） before and after surgery were 1.8 and 1.7, respectively （P=0.29）. Spherical equivalents were 1.3 diopter （D） before surgery and 0.7 D after surgery （P=0.40）. The mean astigmatism measurements before and after surgery were 2.4 D and 1.5 D, respectively （P=0.17）. Vector analysis revealed a mild change in astigmatism with a mean ＂d＂ of 3,2 （0,56-6.89）, No intra- or post-operative complications occurred. Lamellar keratoplasty for limbal dermoids is safe and offers good cosmesis and tectonic stability. A significant decrease in the amount of astigmatism is not expected following surgery.

Effect of Topical FK506 Used alone or Combined with Keratoplasty on Patients with Recurrent Mooren′s Corneal Ulcer

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of topical 0.1% FK506 used alone or combined with keratoplasty on patients with recurrent Mooren′s ulcer. Methods: This is a retrospective interventional consecutive case series. Nine patients (15 eyes) with recurrent Mooren′s ulcer were treated with topical 0.1% FK506 alone or combined with keratoplasty. Two eyes with ulcers involving less than half the corneal limbus were treated with topical 0.1% FK506. Of the other 13 eyes with ulcers involving more than half the limbus, twelve were treated with excision of the ulcer and adjacent conjunctiva combined with lamellar keratoplasty. One eye with a central impending corneal perforation was treated with penetrating keratoplasty.Topical 0.1% FK506 was given post-operatively to all thirteen eyes after re-epithelia-lisation of the cornea. FK506 levels in the surgically resected cornea and conjunctiva of the operated eyes were measured using enzyme immunoassay procedures. Twelve patients (17 eyes) with recurrent Mooren′s ulcer treated with lamellar keratoplasty combined with topical 0.1% dexamethasone were taken as the control. The main measure of the outcome was the recurrence of Mooren′s ulcer in the patients. Results: Nine patients (15 eyes) with recurrent Mooren′s ulcer were all successfully treated. Vision in 5 eyes improved by two lines or better after treatment. No recurrence was observed during the follow up period of 12 to 22 months. After topical application of 0.1% FK506, concentrations of 30～350 ng/g of FK506 were found in the cornea and conjunctiva. Seven eyes of Mooren′s ulcer in the control group recurred during the follow up period. Conclusion: Topical 0.1% FK506 used alone or combined with keratoplasty is a safe and effective therapy for patients with recurrent Mooren′s ulcer.

Simultaneous tectonic Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and tectonic Bowman layer transplant for the management of corneal perforation

AIM:To report the outcomes of three cases of corneal perforation managed with simultaneous tectonic Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty(t-DSEK)and tectonic Bowman layer transplant(t-BLT)as an alternative to tectonic penetrating keratoplasty(t-PKP).METHODS:Three eyes of three patients receiving simultaneous t-DSEK and t-BLT for corneal perforation were included.The technique for DSEK was modified depending on individual requirements.The t-BLT technique was standardised using an 8 mm graft and fixated with a running suture.Success was measured by the ability of this procedure to close a corneal perforation.RESULTS:All three cases achieved tectonic eye globe restoration and remained stable during the minimum 3-month observation period.Reinterventions were relatively common:2 cases required amniotic membrane transplant for persistent epithelial defects.One case required DSEK rebubbling.One case developed angle closure glaucoma requiring surgical peripheral iridectomy.CONCLUSION:Simultaneous t-DSEK and t-BLT may be a useful strategy for the management of corneal perforation as an alternative management to t-PKP for selected cases.

最新的免疫抑制剂——FK506(Tacrolimus)

最新的免疫抑制剂———ＦＫ５０６（Ｔａｃｒｏｌｉｍｕｓ）中山医科大学肿瘤研究所（５１００６０）潘启超随着器官移植的发展，免疫抑制剂的需要日益迫切，早些时已有环胞霉素（ＣｙｃｌｏｓｐｏｒｉｎＡ，ＣｙＡ）的出现，近年又有ＦＫ５０６（Ｔａｃｒｏｌｉｍｕｓ...