1. Efficacy and outcome of simple limbal epithelial transplantation for limbal stem cell deficiency verified by epithelial phenotypes integrated with clinical evaluation
- Author
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Sutthicha Matamnan, Nutnicha Neti, Panotsom Ngowyutagon, Chareenun Chirapapaisan, Nutchaya Sukon, Pattama Ekpo, Chawikan Boonwong, Ranida Thamphithak, Kaevalin Lekhanont, Warinyupa Pinitpuwadol, Pinnita Prabhasawat, Rosanun Sikarinkul, and Wimolwan Tangpagasit
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Limbus Corneae ,Transplantation, Autologous ,Limbal stem cell deficiency ,Corneal Diseases ,Ophthalmology ,Cornea ,medicine ,Humans ,Limbal stem cell ,Prospective Studies ,Corneal epithelium ,business.industry ,Stem Cells ,Epithelium, Corneal ,Middle Aged ,Phenotype ,eye diseases ,Transplantation ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Immunohistochemistry ,sense organs ,Stem cell ,business ,Stem Cell Transplantation - Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using epithelial phenotype detection integrated with clinical manifestation. METHODS This prospective multicenter study included patients with LSCD who underwent autologous SLET (autoSLET) and living-related allogenic SLET (Lr-alloSLET). All patients were assessed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and impression cytology with immunofluorescence staining (ICIF) before and after surgery. The criteria for success were the presence of a clinically non-conjunctivalized cornea and corneal epithelium detected by IVCM or ICIF. Otherwise, the case would be considered a failure. Visual improvement and risk factors for SLET failure were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 28 eyes of 26 patients (11 autoSLET and 17 Lr-alloSLET) were included. The median age was 53 years (range, 35-63), and the follow-up time was 29.5 months (range, 17.5-39.8). The overall survival rate was 89.3% at 2 years and 75.6% at 3 years with no difference between autoSLET and Lr-alloSLET (p = 0.24). Seven eyes subsequently underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that all corneal buttons had corneal epithelium and limbal stem cell markers. Visual improvement was achieved in both SLET groups (p
- Published
- 2021