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Straiko MMW, Sawant OB, Hubbs R, Dye PK, Tsering D, Hicks N, Odell K, Ellison MS, Titus MS, Straiko MD, Tran KD. Size and Shape Matter: Cell Viability of Preloaded Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Grafts in Three Different Carriers. Cornea 2024; 43:111-119. [PMID: 37747694 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine endothelial cell loss (ECL) associated with preloaded Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) grafts loaded into 3 carriers of different size and shape. METHODS Thirty-six donor corneas were prepared for DSAEK and loaded into an EndoGlide Ultrathin (control) (2.0 mm × 3.5 mm lumen, 4.5 mm/4.9 mm incision for scleral tunnel/clear corneal insertion), Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty EndoGlide (experimental) (1.1 mm × 1.7 mm lumen, 2.65 mm incision), or round glass Jones tube (experimental) (1.8 mm lumen, 3.0 mm incision). Control grafts were stored for 6 days in Optisol-GS and experimental grafts stored for 24 hours in Life4C before analysis using Calcein AM staining. Grafts were imaged and ECL was analyzed by FIJI segmentation. The statistical significance of ECL was determined using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc analysis. RESULTS There were no significant differences in donor characteristics for grafts in each cohort. ECL for grafts loaded into the EndoGlide Ultrathin was 10.3% ± 2.3% (graft thickness: 60-189 μm, n = 9). ECL for grafts loaded into the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty EndoGlide was 22.2% ± 7.1% (graft thickness: 38-63 μm, n = 9). ECL for thin grafts (34-60 μm, n = 9) loaded into the Jones tube was 24.0% ± 5.0%. ECL for thick grafts (92-119 μm, n = 9) loaded into the Jones tube was 34.2% ± 6.1% ECL ( P < 0.001). Combined regression analysis revealed that graft thickness is directly correlated to ECL ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The size and shape of the carrier can influence the cell viability of preloaded DSAEK grafts. Compared with a larger carrier, smaller lumen carriers are associated with greater ECL. In smaller lumen carriers, ECL increases with increasing DSAEK graft thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onkar B Sawant
- Center for Vision and Eye Banking Research, Eversight, Cleveland, OH; and
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas Hicks
- Department of Clinical Operations, Eversight, Ann Arbor, MI
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Chameettachal S, Venuganti A, Parekh Y, Prasad D, Joshi VP, Vashishtha A, Basu S, Singh V, Bokara KK, Pati F. Human cornea-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel for prevention of post-traumatic corneal scarring: A translational approach. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:289-307. [PMID: 37683964 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Corneal scarring and opacification are a significant cause of blindness affecting millions worldwide. The current standard of care for corneal blindness is corneal transplantation, which suffers from several drawbacks. One alternative approach that has shown promise is the use of xenogeneic corneal extracellular matrix (ECM), but its clinical applicability is challenging due to safety concerns. This study reports the innovative use of human cornea-derived ECM to prevent post-traumatic corneal scarring. About 30 - 40% of corneas donated to the eye banks do not meet the standards defined for clinical use and are generally discarded, although they are completely screened for their safety. In this study, human cornea-derived decellularized ECM hydrogel was prepared from the non-transplantation grade human cadaveric corneas obtained from an accredited eye-bank. The prepared hydrogel was screened for its efficacy against corneal opacification following an injury in an animal model. Our in vivo study revealed that, the control collagen-treated group developed corneal opacification, while the prophylactic application of human cornea-derived hydrogel effectively prevented corneal scarring and opacification. The human hydrogel-treated corneas were indistinguishable from healthy corneas and comparable to those treated with the xenogeneic bovine corneal hydrogel. We also demonstrated that the application of the hydrogel retained the biological milieu including cell behavior, protein components, optical properties, curvature, and nerve regeneration by remodeling the corneal wound after injury. The hydrogel application is also sutureless, resulting in faster corneal healing. We envision that this human cornea-derived ECM-based hydrogel has potential clinical application in preventing scarring from corneal wounding. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There are significant challenges surrounding corneal regeneration after injury due to extensive scarring. Although there is substantial research on corneal regeneration, much of it uses synthetic materials with chemical cross-linking methods or xenogeneic tissue-based material devices which have to undergo exhaustive safety analysis before clinical trials. Herein, we demonstrate the potential application of a human corneal extracellular matrix hydrogel without any additional materials for scarless corneal tissue regeneration, and a method to reduce the wasting of donated allogenic corneal tissue from eye banks. We found no difference in efficacy between the usage of human tissues compared to xenogeneic sources. This may help ease clinical translation and can be used topically without sutures as an outpatient procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibu Chameettachal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Animith Venuganti
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Yash Parekh
- CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, ANNEXE II, Medical Biotechnology Complex, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Deeksha Prasad
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vineet P Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India; Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Anviti Vashishtha
- CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, ANNEXE II, Medical Biotechnology Complex, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Vivek Singh
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Kiran Kumar Bokara
- CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, ANNEXE II, Medical Biotechnology Complex, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Falguni Pati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India.
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Aloy-Reverté C, Bandeira F, Otero N, Rebollo-Morell A, Nieto-Nicolau N, Álvaro P. Gomes J, Güell JL, Casaroli-Marano RP. Corneal Endothelial Cell Cultures from Organotypic Preservation of Older Donor Corneas Are Suitable for Advanced Cell Therapy. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:1254-1265. [PMID: 37722372 PMCID: PMC10614447 DOI: 10.1159/000533701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this work was to evaluate the in vitro growth capacity and functionality of human corneal endothelial cells (hCEC) expanded from corneas of elderly (>60 years) donors that were preserved using an organotypic culture method (>15 days, 31°C) and did not meet the clinical criteria for keratoplasty. METHODS Cell cultures were obtained from prior descemetorhexis (≥10 mm) and a controlled incubation with collagenase type I followed by recombinant trypsin. Cells were seeded on coated plates (fibronectin-albumin-collagen I) and cultures were expanded using the dual supplemented medium approach (maintenance medium and growth medium), in the presence of a 10 μm Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). Cell passages were obtained at culture confluency (∼2 weeks). A quantitative colorimetric WST-1 cell growth assay was performed at different time points of the culture. Morphometric analysis (area assessment and circularity), immunocytochemistry (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase α, Ki67), and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were performed on confluent monolayers. RESULTS There was no difference between the cell growth profiles of hCEC cultures obtained from corneas older than 60 years, whether preserved cold or cultivated organotypic corneas. Primary cultures were able to maintain a certain cell circularity index (around 0.8) and morphology (hexagonal) similar to corneal endothelial mosaic. The ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase pump markers were highly positive in confluent cell monolayers at 21 days after isolation (passage 0; P0), but significantly decreased in confluent monolayers after the first passage (P1). A weak expression of Ki67 was observed in both P0 and P1 monolayers. The P0 monolayers showed a progressive increase in TEER values between days 6 and 11 and remained stable until day 18 of culture, indicating a state of controlled permeability in monolayers. The P1 monolayers also showed some functional ability but with decreased TEER values compared to monolayers at P0. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that it is possible to obtain functional hCEC cultures in eye banks, using simplified and standardized protocols, from older donor corneas (>60 years of age), previously preserved under organotypic culture conditions. This tissue is more readily available in our setting, due to the profile of the donor population or due to the low endothelial count (<2,000 cells/mm2) of the donated cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Bandeira
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nausica Otero
- Barcelona Tissue Bank (BTB), Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - José Álvaro P. Gomes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José L. Güell
- Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular (IMO), IMO Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
- Barcelona Tissue Bank (BTB), Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Ren Y, Dong X, Liu Y, Kang H, Guan L, Huang Y, Zhu X, Tian J, Chen B, Jiang B, He Y. Rapamycin antagonizes angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through myeloid-derived suppressor cells in corneal transplantation. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:1359-1374. [PMID: 37225089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug that is widely used in the postsurgery management of transplantation. To date, the mechanism by which rapamycin reduces posttransplant neovascularization has not been fully understood. Given the original avascularity and immune privilege of the cornea, corneal transplantation is considered as an ideal model to investigate neovascularization and its effects on allograft rejection. Previously, we found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) prolong corneal allograft survival through suppression of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Here, we show that depletion of MDSC abolished rapamycin-mediated suppression of neovascularization and elongation of corneal allograft survival. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that rapamycin dramatically enhanced the expression of arginase 1 (Arg1). Furthermore, an Arg1 inhibitor also completely abolished the rapamycin-mediated beneficial effects after corneal transplantation. Taken together, these findings indicate that MDSC and elevated Arg1 activity are essential for the immunosuppressive and antiangiogenic functions of rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuerong Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaonan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Yingyi Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huanmin Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lingling Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Yumin Huang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Xinqi Zhu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510005, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Baihua Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Wang D, Huang B, Zhu C, Wang L, Jin J, Tan J, Li Q, Xiang S, Nan K, Lin S. Efficiency Encapsulation of FK506 with New Dual Self-Assembly Multi-Hydrophobic-Core Nanoparticles for Preventing Keratoplasty Rejection. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203242. [PMID: 37171892 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles self-assembled by amphiphilic copolymers for loading hydrophobic molecules are intensively investigated. However, their hydrophobic molecule-loading capacity is low due to the limitation of hydrophobic groups in these copolymers. In this regard, new lysine oligomer-based multi-hydrophobic side chain polymers (MHCPs) are synthesized by polymerization of γ-benzyl-l glutamate N-carboxy anhydride initiated by side-chain primary amino groups in lysine oligomer. Each hydrophobic side chain in MHCPs can be self-assembled by hydrophobic interaction to form multi-hydrophobic-core nanoparticles (MHC-NPs) with silkworm cocoon-, grape cluster-, and butterfly-like shapes (depending on hydrophobic-side-chains lengths). To increase their stability, MHC-NPs are dually self-assembled with polyethylene glycol-polyglutamic acid through charge interaction. Each hydrophobic core in MHC-NPs serves as a carrier for hydrophobic molecules, endowing their nanostructure with high loading capacity. MHC-NPs are employed to load tacrolimus (also known as FK506), and the loading amount is 18% and the loading efficiency is 80%, which are higher than those of previously reported nanomicelles self-assembled by linear amphiphilic copolymers. Topical administration of FK506-loaded nanoparticle (FK506-NP) can significantly prolong retention of FK506 on the eye surface. FK506-NP exhibits higher in vivo immunosuppressive effects than free FK506 and commercial FK506 eye drop, as well as a better protective effect against immunotoxicity in the corneal grafts after keratoplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Baoshan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Chenchen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, UCAS, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jiahui Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jingyang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qing Li
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, UCAS, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Shengjin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Kaihui Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Sen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Engineering Research Center of Clinical Functional Materials and Diagnosis and Treatment Devices of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Institute, UCAS, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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Roth S, Moss HE, Vajaranant TS, Sweitzer B. Perioperative Care of the Patient with Eye Pathologies Undergoing Nonocular Surgery. Anesthesiology 2022; 137:620-643. [PMID: 36179149 PMCID: PMC9588701 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The authors reviewed perioperative ocular complications and implications of ocular diseases during nonocular surgeries. Exposure keratopathy, the most common perioperative eye injury, is preventable. Ischemic optic neuropathy, the leading cause of perioperative blindness, has well-defined risk factors. The incidence of ischemic optic neuropathy after spine fusion, but not cardiac surgery, has been decreasing. Central retinal artery occlusion during spine fusion surgery can be prevented by protecting eyes from compression. Perioperative acute angle closure glaucoma is a vision-threatening emergency that can be successfully treated by rapid reduction of elevated intraocular pressure. Differential diagnoses of visual dysfunction in the perioperative period and treatments are detailed. Although glaucoma is increasingly prevalent and often questions arise concerning perioperative anesthetic management, evidence-based recommendations to guide safe anesthesia care in patients with glaucoma are currently lacking. Patients with low vision present challenges to the anesthesia provider that are becoming more common as the population ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Roth
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Heather E Moss
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology & Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Thasarat Sutabutr Vajaranant
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - BobbieJean Sweitzer
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; Perioperative Medicine, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
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Choi JH, Jeng BH. Indications for keratoplasty in management of corneal ectasia. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2022; 33:318-323. [PMID: 35779056 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review aims to describe recent advancements in treatment of corneal ectasias and its effect on indications for corneal transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS The majority of patients affected by ectatic corneal disease use contact lenses to correct resulting astigmatism. Patients who are intolerant of contact lenses or cannot achieve acceptable vision through conservative measures could consider keratoplasty. However, continuing advancements in both nonsurgical and surgical treatments are either reducing or delaying the need for keratoplasty in patients affected by ectatic corneal disease. SUMMARY Corneal transplantation has been the mainstay of treatment for patients with advanced ectatic corneal disease. In the past decade, numerous improvements have been occurred to make contact lenses not only more effective for visual correction, but also more comfortable. Although corneal cross-linking is the only proven treatment known to prevent progression of disease, several other therapies show early potential for those in which cross-linking is contraindicated. Patients now have access to a wider range of therapies before considering keratoplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie H Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mencucci R, Cennamo M, Ponzin D, Genzano Besso F, Pocobelli G, Buzzi M, Nucci C, Aiello F. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Corneal Transplantation: A Report From the Italian Association of Eye Banks. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:844601. [PMID: 35391890 PMCID: PMC8980460 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.844601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the impact of COVID-19 on Italian corneal transplantation from March-2020 to February 2021 compared to the same timeframe of the 2 previous years, in order to identify potential consequences of a global pandemic on corneal procurement and transplantation services during this time. Methods This national, multicentric, retrospective cohort study evaluated data collected from 12 (100%) Italian eye banks from March 2020 to February 2021 (Group A). The number of tissues collected, distributed and discarded were compared with the same time-frame of the 2 previous years: 2019 and 2018 (group B and C, respectively). The different type of transplants performed were reported. Data were analyzed using a non-parametric Friedman test. Results Corneal procurement and the percentage of distributed tissues reduced in 2020 by more than 30 and 15%, respectively, compared to the 2 previous years. During the pandemic corneal transplant surgery showed only a modest drop: the number of the penetrating keratoplasties (PKs) and the anterior lamellar keratoplasties (ALKs) decreased by about 30 and 20% in comparison with groups B and C, respectively; between the Endothelial Keratoplasties (EKs), the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) increased slightly from March 2020 to February 2021. Conclusions Italy was one of the first countries most affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, and the Italian government adopted severe measures to limit viral transmission. The pandemic generated several implications in corneal transplant activity during the first lockdown. Then an efficacious reaction with constant, vigorous work led to a resumption of transplant surgery to a near-normal standard. The increase of EKs, despite the pandemic, is a sign that the advance in corneal transplantation has gone ahead and it continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mencucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rita Mencucci
| | - Michela Cennamo
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federico Genzano Besso
- Eye Bank of Piedmont, SSD Tissue Banks and Biorepository, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulio Pocobelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Matilde Buzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Aiello
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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