Abstract

MUNOZ-OCAMPO, Mayeli et al. Visual outcome in pediatric patients with corneal transplantation: results of 10 years experience. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2012, vol.69, n.2, pp.91-96. ISSN 1665-1146.

Background. Pediatric corneal transplant represents an ophthalmological challenge due to a high rate of graft failure. In comparison with adolescents and adults, children have a prognosis of less vision. The aim of this study was to evaluate visual results after pediatric penetrating keratoplasty (PPK) and to identify factors associated with graft rejection. Methods. We carried out a prospective and descriptive study. Visual outcome was analyzed according to age at the time of surgery, visual acuity, corneal disease before PPK, development of graft rejection, glaucoma, previous dry eye and psychomotor development delay (PDD). Results. There were 47 PPK procedures performed in 39 patients (eight bilateral) between March 2001 and March 2011. Keratoconus was the most common corneal disease with the best visual outcome after PPK. Twenty nine patients (62%) had visual improvement, 23.4% remained visually unchanged and 14.8% decreased their initial visual acuity. Twenty two eyes (46.8%) presented graft rejection and of these, 13 had complete graft rejection resolution after treatment. Patients with previous history of PDD, congenital glaucoma and severe dry eye had unresolved graft rejection. Patients <6 years with anterior chamber cleavage syndrome and hereditary corneal dystrophies were associated with poorer final visual acuities. Conclusions. Patients may improve their visual acuities with PPK. Children <6 years with history of systemic and ocular congenital eye diseases may represent those patient with the worst prognosis.

Keywords : corneal transplantation; keratoplasty; graft rejection; visual acuity.

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