Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: to investigate if a suspension made with amniotic membrane could have a beneficial effect on ocular surface diseases. Methods:in the Imola branch of the Eye Bank of Emilia Romagna, we prepared a suspension containing homogenized amniotic membrane previously conserved at –80 degrees Celsius. Subsequently we gave this preparation to 21 patients 8 of which, had been operated on for lamellar keratoplasty, 4 operated on for penetrating keratoplasty, 2 photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with a delay of epithelialization; 3 neurotrophic corneal ulcers; 2 corneal burning, 1 torpid corneal ulcer, 1 Sjogren syndrome. Each patient had been treated with conventional therapy, for, at least, 4 months without any clinic improvement. In this sample of eyes we evaluated the transparency and integrity of epithelium, before and after the therapy also by means of a fluorescent eye test, as well as the flogistic situation and the symptoms referred by patients. Nine eyes from this group of patients were studied by impression cytology before and after 3 months of use of suspension. The follow–up was of 5 months with an eye visit once a week. Results: In all the patients just after 15–30 days the corneas became negative to fluorescent eye test and the epithelium seemed more complete and regular, there was an evident decrease of flogistic situation also in the conjunctiva, and an improvement of symptoms referred by patient. The situation was stable during the whole follow–up. No side effects. The impression cytology repeated three months after the treatment showed a significant corneal recovery of the cytological situation with an important decrease of CK19+ cells on the corneal surface. Conclusions: Patients with corneal superficial defects could be also cured with this new therapy which is less traumatic than an implant of amniotic membrane, it is safe and it can be repeated for a long period.
Keywords: wound healing • growth factors/growth factor receptors • transplantation