Presence of Panel-reactive Antibodies after Penetrating Keratoplasty

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the relationship between penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and postoperative PRA level and number of unacceptable antigens. Methods A cross-sectionalstudy was performed on patients with history of PK. Patients with prior solid organ transplantation, pregnancy, or blood transfusion were excluded. These findings were combined with a retrospective review. Patients were grouped by single or multiple PKs. The primary outcome was postoperative PRA level. Results Incidence of postoperative PRA elevation and mean peak PRA was higher in the multiple PK group (p = .08 and p = .010, respectively). Mean number of unacceptable antigens was elevated in the multiple PK group (p = .024). There was a moderately positive correlation between number of PK grafts and PRA level (r = 0.629, p = .0002). Conclusions PRA level may be influenced by PKs, with higher PRA associated with increased prior PKs. Further studies are necessary to determine the potential prognostic value. Abbreviations: PK: penetrating keratoplasty; PRA: panel reactive antibodies; OSST: ocular surface stem cell transplantation; LSCD: limbal stem cell deficiency