Abstract
Purpose: :
Two corneal storage preservation solutions were used to compare the DSAEK donor lenticule thickness and endothelial viability over a 72 hour period. THIN-C (Al.Chi.Mi.A. SRL, Italy), was used as a deswelling agent prior to cutting of a DSAEK lencticule. Our study analyzed the effects THIN-C and Optisol-GS, a standard storage solution used in the United States, on donor lenticules for up to 72 hours after cutting of the donor grafts.
Methods: :
Experimental prospective pilot study. Five paired DSAEK quality donor grafts were followed over a 72 hour period. Donor lencticule thickness was assessed at hour 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72. Endothelial cell viability was also evaluated with trypan blue vital dye staining. The grafts were stained prior to, immediately after and 72 hours after the harvest of the donor graft.
Results: :
Analysis of both groups of grafts showed that corneal graft thickness increased with storage time over the first 72 hours post-cut of the DSAEK lenticule. THIN-C stored grafts were thinner than those stored in Optisol-GS by the end of 72 hours. However, the results were not statistically significant due to a small number of grafts used. Endothelial cell viability was evaluated with trypan blue vital dye staining. The results suggested that both storage solutions are equivocal in their effects on endothelial cell viability. There was 21.2% endothelial cell loss in THIN-C stored corneas and 20.6% endothelial cell loss in Optisol GS stored corneas. The results were not statistically significant but served as a pilot study for future investigations.
Conclusions: :
Corneal graft thickness increases with storage time over the first 72 hours of tissue preservation. Initial evaluation with trypan blue vital dye staining suggest that THIN-C and Optisol-GS are equivocal in their effects on endothelial cell viability.
Keywords: cornea: endothelium • cornea: storage • cell survival