Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To investigate the effect of crosslinking in human amnion membrane (AM) and to determine the efficacy in ocular surface reconstruction. Methods: Human amnion membrane was prepared (4cm x 4cm) and divided in two groups for investigations. Group 1: AM was crosslinked immediately after preparation in glutaraldehyde solution 0.1% (20% dextrane) for 30 minutes. Group 2: native amnion membrane (storage in BSS and 20% dextrane). AM of both groups were stored in pepsin solution (pH 1.5) until to the complete resolving of the AM. For stress - strain relations AM stripes were fixed and stretched in a material testing machine (Minimat). AM transplantation was performed in 18 eyes: native preserved AM in 3 eyes, crosslinked AM in 25 eyes, follow up 6 months. Results: Crosslinked amnion was stable in pepsin solution for 30 days and longer. A complete resorption of the native AM after 3 days (medium 76 hours, range 8 hours) was observed. In crosslinked AM the stress strain- relation was significant (p<0.05) increased (factor 1.6). Crosslinked AM for ocular surface reconstruction was present up to 100 days native AM dissolved after 3 to 7 days. No adverse reactions were noted. Conclusion: AMT is safe and effective for corneal surface and conjunctival reconstruction and may reduce secondary reactions such as inflammation and scarring. The mechanical properties and biochemical resistance of crosslinked AM are useful for long time covering the ocular surface. CR: none
Keywords: 369 cornea: clinical science • 437 inflammation • 631 wound healing