Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty Research Articles

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Penetrating Keratoplasty

ABSTRACT Background: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) has been utilized more frequently during recent years to treat penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) graft failures. The perioperative evaluation technique of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is increasingly significant. Our goal is to discuss DMEK surgical and clinical for subsequent PKP graft failure, along with significant surgical modifications and adjustments in accordance with preoperative assessment utilizing AS-OCT. Materials and Methods: Patients’ records who performed DMEK for PKP failure were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, PKP graft size determined by postoperative problems, corneal donor endothelial cell density (ECD), AS-OCT, central pachymetry, visual acuity (VA) evaluated in Snellen units, intraoperative surgical procedure modifications, and postoperative ECD were all included in the data collection. Results: The observation was conducted with 16 patients with 16 eyes, nine males and seven females. The observation period is 18 months. DMEK was performed at an average age of 63. Preoperative AS-OCT was performed on all patients, and based on cases, surgical plans were created. Before processing DMEK, the mean VA is 0.04, and central pachymetry is 685 m. They improved considerably to 0.3 (P value = 0.001) and 542 m (P value = 0.008) at the most recent follow-up. About 93.75% of the grafts were adhered to after the procedure. Late decompensation caused a 6.25% graft failure rate. Graft detachment rates and cases requiring rebubble rates were respectively 18.75%. Conclusion: In DMEK for failed PKP, a good case-specific preoperative assessment by AS-OCT is essential. As a result, it relies on developing a surgical strategy that can improve surgical outcomes, lower the risk of complications, and quicken visual recovery.

Outcomes of Pre-Descemet Endothelial Keratoplasty for Failed Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty.

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) for failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. This was a retrospective, interventional study that involved 12 eyes of 12 patients with failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty that underwent PDEK. All cases had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, graft clarity, endothelial cell density loss, and graft survival. Corneal clarity was graded on a scale from 0 to 4, where grade 4 denoted an absolutely clear cornea and grade 0 denoted a totally opaque cornea. Three cases underwent PDEK, 6 cases PDEK with phacoemulsification, and 3 cases underwent PDEK with pupilloplasty. The mean follow-up period for all cases was 18.5 ± 4.9 months. The mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (in Snellen decimal equivalent) was 0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.54 ± 0.17, respectively, at the last follow-up. Postoperatively, corneal clarity grade 4 was present in 9 eyes, grade 3 in 2 eyes, and grade 2 in 1 eye. Mild subepithelial haze was noted in 2 eyes. The percentage of endothelial cell density loss was 28.2% ± 10.6%. No correlation was observed between the postoperative graft clarity and preoperative specular count (r = -0.021, P = 0.512). Rebubbling was performed for 1 eye that developed partial graft detachment in the first postoperative week. One patient had an episode of rejection that was managed with systemic and topical steroids. In patients with failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, PDEK can be a useful alternative for visual rehabilitation as it demonstrates favorable visual outcomes with a good graft survival rate.

Commentary: Current concepts, recent updates, and future treatment options for Pythium insidiosum keratitis.

Commentary: Current concepts, recent updates, and future treatment options for Pythium insidiosum keratitis.

Topical Ripasudil for the Treatment of Segmental Corneal Edema: A Case Series.

Ripasudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, has gained popularity as an adjunctive therapy after Descemet stripping only to hasten visual recovery. Ripasudil has been shown to increase corneal endothelial cell proliferation and intercellular adhesion, and decrease endothelial cell apoptosis. We present 4 cases in which persistent corneal edema after various anterior segment surgeries was successfully treated with topical ripasudil, and 1 case in which corneal edema did not improve with use of ripasudil. Retrospective chart review revealed 5 patients treated with topical ripasudil for persistent corneal edema that failed to improve with conventional, nonsurgical treatments. In each case, the patient had symptomatic, persistent, focal corneal edema which followed a surgical procedure in the anterior segment. The various etiologies of corneal edema included graft failure after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty, a failed penetrating keratoplasty, and 3 cases of pseudophakic corneal edema. These patients experienced improved vision and partial or complete resolution of corneal edema after 2 to 4 weeks of topical ripasudil administered 4 times daily. One patient with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy had edema that initially improved on topical ripasudil, but after cessation of the medication, developed progressive corneal edema and required endothelial keratoplasty. In patients with focal corneal edema resulting from surgical trauma to the endothelium who failed to clear over time with conservative measures, topical ripasudil was shown to be an effective treatment option that in most cases improved vision and helped reduce the need for endothelial transplantation.

Acute Endothelial Allograft Rejection After Inoculation With the Novel Messenger RNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report 3 cases of corneal endothelial allograft rejection shortly after immunization with SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and to describe the clinical course, management, and outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective case series. Results: Three patients presented with corneal endothelial rejection 3 weeks after the second dose of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine: a 25-year-old woman's 8-month status post-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty for a failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine), a 70-year-old man's 4-year status post-PK (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine), and a 45-year-old woman's 8-month status post-PK (Moderna COVID-19 vaccine). Each of the patients was on a maintenance dose of prednisolone acetate twice daily, which was increased to 4 times daily before the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the 25-year-old woman. At the time of diagnosis of endothelial rejection, prednisolone acetate was increased to every 1–2 hours for each patient, with resolution of the rejection in the PK recipients but progression to endothelial failure in the Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty recipient. Conclusions: Our report provides further evidence of a potential association between mRNA vaccines and corneal allograft rejection. Contrary to prior reports, corneal endothelial rejection associated with COVID-19 vaccines may be sufficiently severe to result in irreversible graft failure despite steroid prophylaxis.

Modified Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Technique to Rescue Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty.

To describe a modified deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) technique to rescue failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) grafts and report its results. Retrospective, case-series analysis of patients who underwent modified DALK to rescue failed corneal grafts after PK was included. Every patient had corneal graft failure (GF) diagnosis due to anterior corneal (epithelium, Bowman's, and stroma layers) or refraction disorders uncorrectable with conservative management. The main objective of the surgery and primary outcome of the study was the improvement of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). The study's secondary outcome was the frequency of intra- and postoperative complications. This series included four eyes from three patients with a mean age of 57.7 years (range: 51-63 years). Mean follow-up of patients was thirteen months (range: 12-15 months). During follow-up, continuous improvement of corneal transparency and CDVA was observed in every patient. The only intraoperative complication reported was a peripheric DM microperforations of previous graft-host junction in two eyes. No signs of double anterior chamber, endothelial failure, GF, glaucoma, or other side effects were reported. Our results suggest that modified DALK in patients with GF after PK, preserving a healthy endothelium, is surgically feasible. However, further studies are needed to compare this procedure to PK and other DALK technique variations.

Rate of Endothelial Cell Loss and Graft Survival in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Eyes Requiring a Rebubble.

We aimed to compare the rate of 6-month endothelial cell loss (ECL) and 6-month graft survival in eyes that did not require a postoperative rebubble with eyes that did require a postoperative rebubble after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery. A consecutive series of DMEK surgeries performed from September 2013 to March 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Eyes that did not require a rebubble for graft detachment were compared with eyes with 1 rebubble and eyes with 2 or more rebubbles for 6-month ECL and graft survival. A subanalysis of the rebubble rate for different indications for transplantation was also performed. One thousand two hundred ninety-eight eyes were included in this study. The 6-month ECL for eyes with no rebubbles, 1 rebubble, and ≥2 rebubbles was 29.3% ± 16.2% (n = 793), 36.4% ± 18.6% (n = 97, P = 0.001), and 50.1% ± 19.6% (n = 28, P < 0.001), respectively. The 6-month graft survival rate for eyes with no rebubbles, 1 rebubble, and ≥2 rebubbles was 99.5%, 97.8% ( P = 0.035), and 81.8% ( P < 0.001), respectively. When compared to the rebubble rate for DMEK for Fuchs dystrophy (156/1165 eyes = 13.4%), the rebubble rates were statistically higher for DMEK for failed penetrating keratoplasty (28.5%, P = 0.021) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (28.0%, P = 0.036). Eyes undergoing any rebubble procedure in the postoperative period after DMEK have an increased risk of endothelial cell loss and graft failure at 6 months postoperative. DMEK in eyes for failed penetrating keratoplasty and failed DMEK had the highest rebubble rate, with the former reaching statistical significance.

DMEK after penetrating keratoplasty: cohort with DMEK grafts and descemetorhexis larger than full-thickness graft

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate visual outcome, central corneal thickness, and rebubbling rate in a cohort with oversized DMEK grafts after failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The unique feature of the study is a descemetorhexis diameter larger than the full-thickness graft, i.e., peripheral to the PK interface.MethodsA monocentric, retrospective evaluation of all patients with endothelial graft failure after PK treated with an oversized DMEK graft and descemetorhexis outside of the PK interface (i.e., in host tissue) between January 2015 and July 2019 at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Düsseldorf (Germany) was performed.ResultsEleven eyes of 10 patients were identified. Mean age was 69 years. On average (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation), 1.7 ± 1.0 previous PKs have been performed per eye in this cohort. The mean time between last PK and DMEK was 10.1 ± 7.3 years (range 2 to 23 years). In all cases, the graft diameter exceeded the diameter of the previous PK and descemetorhexis was performed in host tissue, that is, peripheral to the graft-host interface. Rebubbling was performed in 18.2% of the patients (n = 2 eyes) because of central graft detachment. Mean central corneal thickness showed a statistically significant improvement at 5.3 ± 3.5 months after surgery from 688.23 ± 151.01 to 527.75 ± 88 µm (p = 0.002).Visual acuity increased significantly by 5 lines from 1.24 ± 0.5 logMAR (range from 0.5 to 2) to 0.73 ± 0.76 logMAR (range from 0.1 to 2) within 3 months (p = 0.006). Excluding patients without visual potential and transplant failure, visual acuity improved significantly by 8 lines (p < 0.001), and stayed stable until the last follow-up at 15.1 ± 11.4 months (range 6 to 39 months, p < 0.001, n = 8) after surgery.ConclusionDMEK can be successfully used to treat endothelial cell failure after PK, and can provide good postoperative results with regards to visual acuity. This study shows that stripping of Descemet’s membrane (DM) peripheral to the PK interface is surgically feasible. Overlapping, larger DMEK grafts with more endothelial cells can be used without increasing rebubbling rates and may potentially improve long-term graft survival.

Eight-years Egyptian experience of Boston type I keratoprosthesis following failed penetrating keratoplasty or ocular surface disease.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the outcome and complications after implantation of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis (Kpro) in two groups of eyes.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed records of 28 eyes with failed Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) (Group A) and 31 eyes with severe ocular surface diseases who implanted Kpro. Follow-up was performed for a mean 37 months. Primary outcomes were Kpro retention and visual improvement, secondary outcomes included the occurrence of complications as endophthalmitis, retro-prosthesis membrane (RPM), intraocular pressure (IOP) abnormalities, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), graft thinning and extrusion.RESULTS:Visual improvement was achieved in 20 eyes in Group A, and in 19 eyes in Group B. In group A, the prosthesis was retained in 25 eyes, while prosthesis retention in Group B was in 26 eyes. Group A had higher rates of PCO, high IOP, soft IOP, and graft thinning. Group B had higher risk of RPM, and endophthalmitis. Two eyes in Group A, and Five eyes in Group B required redo procedure.CONCLUSION:The Boston Kpro type I is an effective procedure in eyes with high risk of keratoplasty failure and in severe ocular surface diseases, it has a high retention rate, higher in cases following failed PKP.

DSAEK or DMEK for failed penetrating keratoplasty: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

To review the published literature on indications and outcomes of DSAEK/DSEK and DMEK for the treatment of failed penetrating keratoplasty. This is a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Prospective and retrospective studies reporting DSAEK/DSEK or DMEK after failed penetrating keratoplasty were included. Primary outcome measures are graft survival and detachment rates, as well as postoperative visual outcomes. A total of 25 studies with 970 patients/989 eyes were included, comprising 735 patients with 746 eyes which underwent DSAEK/DSEK surgery and 235 patients with 243 eyes which underwent DMEK surgery, all of them following a previously failed PK. There were no randomized controlled studies. In all of the DSAEK-PK studies, the graft failure rate was 18% (10%, 26%), the detachment rate was 15% (9%, 22%) and the rejection rate was 7% (3%, 12%) by the time of the last follow-up. And in all of the DMEK-PK studies, the graft failure rate was 14% (4%, 27%), the detachment rate was 42% (28%, 56%) and the rejection rate was 7% (2%, 16%). The mean visual acuity of the DSAEK-PK and DMEK-PK groups is 0.65 ± 0.18 and 0.43 ± 0.23 logMAR, respectively, at 6months postoperatively. Endothelial keratoplasty for treatment of failed penetrating keratoplasty led to improved vision and graft clarity in most recipients. Though graft survival rates and rejection rates were comparable between the two groups, the DMEK-PK group showed better visual outcomes with higher detachment rate.

Long-term Outcomes of Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis, and Efficacy of Amphotericin B and Povidone-Iodine in Infection Prophylaxis

To evaluate the long-term outcomes, anatomic retention, and complications of Boston type I keratoprosthesis (KPro). Retrospective, interventional case series METHODS: A retrospective chart review of implantations performed January 2008-December 2017 was conducted. Risk factors for anatomical retention and functional success were analyzed. The incidences of infections with and without antimicrobial medications were compared. Twenty-seven eyes of 26 patients were recruited. The most common indication for KPro surgery was failed penetrating keratoplasties (22 eyes, 81.5%). All patients had preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 3/60. Over the mean follow-up of 83.4 ± 28.4 months, 15 eyes (55.6%) demonstrated improved BCVA. The anatomical retention rate was 88.9%, and the functional success rate was 44.4% (retained KPro with BCVA ≥ 3/60). Eyes with ocular surface disease (OSD) had significantly more complications than those without OSD. The most common complications were retroprosthetic membrane formation (15 eyes, 55.6%) and infection (13 eyes, 48.1%). Infectious keratitis was primarily caused by gram-positive bacteria, whereas endophthalmitis was chiefly caused by fungal infection. The infection incidence was significantly lower in eyes using topical 0.1% amphotericin B and 5% povidone iodine (P=.008 and .021, respectively). With its good retention rate and visual outcomes, Boston type I KPro could be an alternative treatment for patients with conventional penetrating keratoplasty failure, especially with appropriate patient selection and complication prevention. Standard prophylactic antibiotics with the addition of topical 0.1% amphotericin B and 5% povidone iodine might be optional effective regimens for infection prevention, especially in tropical countries.

Causes of corneal transplant failure: a multicentric study.

To identify the causes of failure of the different surgical corneal graft techniques: penetrating keratoplasty (PK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). This multicentric retrospective study enrolled a consecutive cohort of patients who had undergone any type of keratoplasty between 2001 and 2016. The clinical data were obtained from the patient's medical records, following ethical guidelines, permissions and data protection. The main outcome measured in the study was the cause of graft failure, defined as any irreversible loss of graft transparency capable of compromising vision. The main causes of graft failure were classified as follows: (A) primary graft failure (PGF), (B) immunological rejection, (C) non-rejection (which includes endothelial decompensation without rejection, IOP elevation/glaucoma, diseases of the ocular surface, recurrence of the primary disease, wound dehiscence/hypotonia and trauma, among others) and (D) specific causes of lamellar keratoplasty failure. A descriptive study of the obtained data was carried out. The distribution of the causes of failure was evaluated according to the type of corneal transplant. Our research included a cohort of 571 keratoplasty failures, of which 509 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of the causes of the PK failure showed that immunological allograft rejection represented the main cause, with 28.2% of the failures, followed by surface diseases (17.8%) and endothelial decompensation without rejection (17.3%). For the PK re-grafts group, the main cause of failure was immunological allograft rejection (34.0%), followed by diseases of the ocular surface (18.5%). For the DALK group, the failures mainly occurred due to surface diseases such as limbal stem cell insufficiency, infectious keratitis, keratolysis or persistent epithelial defect (37.8%). However, the main reason for failure in the DSAEK group was endothelial decompensation without rejection (31.9%) while primary graft failure was the main cause of failure in the DMEK group (64.1%). The main reason for failure in PK was immunological allograft rejection, both in primary and secondary transplants. The leading causes for failure were diseases of the ocular surface in the DALK population, endothelial decompensation without rejection in DSAEK and primary graft failure in DMEK.

Topical 0.03% tacrolimus versus systemic mycophenolate mofetil as adjuncts to systemic corticosteroids for preventing graft rejection after repeat keratoplasty: one-year results of a randomized clinical trial.

To compare the efficacy of topical 0.03% tacrolimus in combination with systemic corticosteroids versus systemic mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids in preventing corneal allograft rejection after repeat keratoplasty. This prospective, randomized clinical trial enrolled 63 consecutive eyes of 63 patients who underwent repeat keratoplasty after a failed penetrating keratoplasty. Group 1 (32 eyes) received MMF orally 1 g twice daily for the first 6 months and then 1 g daily for the next 6 months, and group 2 (31 eyes) received topical 0.03% tacrolimus four times a day for 12 months. All patients were treated with topical and oral corticosteroids postoperatively. The participants were observed closely for signs of graft rejection, and the rates of rejection-free graft survival were calculated and compared between the two groups at postoperative month 12. The groups were balanced in patient's age and risk factors for graft rejection (e.g., original diagnosis, number of previous grafts, and quadrants of corneal vascularization). Endothelial graft rejection occurred in 5 eyes (15.6%) of group 1 and 6 eyes (19.4%) of group 2 (P = 0.75). Irreversible endothelial graft rejection resulting in graft failure occurred in 3 eyes of each group (P = 0.99). The rate of rejection-free graft survival was 84.4% in group 1 and 80.6% in group 2 at postoperative month 12 (P = 0.74). Topical 0.03% tacrolimus was as effective as systemic MMF as adjuncts to topical and systemic corticosteroids in reducing endothelial graft rejection with 12 months follow up after repeat keratoplasty.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Vascularized Eyes: Outcome and Effect on Corneal Neovascularization

To report the outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in vascularized eyes. Consecutive cases of DMEK in vascularized eyes (involving ≥2 vascularized quadrants) were selected from a prospective database. Best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness, corneal transplant rejection episode, graft survival, and area of neovascularization (quantified using image analysis software) were evaluated. In this study, 24 eyes of 24 patients were selected [mean age, 65.0 years; mean follow-up duration, 14.8 months (6-36 months)], which consists of 14 vascularized eyes after failed penetrating keratoplasty and 10 vascularized eyes with bullous keratopathy. Best corrected visual acuity improved from 1.60 ± 1.02 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.47 ± 0.37 LogMAR 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness decreased from 824 ± 193 μm preoperatively to 544 ± 48 μm 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.001). The donor ECD decreased from 2272 ± 723 cells/mm2 preoperatively to 1570 ± 279 cells/mm2 12 months postoperatively. The total loss of ECD at the last visit was 40.7% ± 13.0%. Eight of 24 eyes (33.3%) required rebubbling, which resulted in final attachment. The corneal neovascularization area significantly regressed from 4.68% ± 3.26% preoperatively to 2.28% ± 1.58% (n = 18, P = 0.021). Corneal transplant rejection episodes occurred in 1 eye of 24 patients (4.2%). There was no primary graft failure. DMEK is a feasible option to treat endothelial dysfunction in vascularized eyes.

This issue of ACTA, printed and electronic

This issue of ACTA, printed and electronic

Long-Term Outcomes of Allogeneic Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Keratolimbal Allograft (KLAL) Followed by Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK).

Purpose Long-term results of the patients with total LSCD, who had undergone keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) for limbal reconstruction followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods The study analyzes surgical treatment of 43 eyes with severe ocular surface disorders. All subjects underwent KLAL to achieve suitable conditions for consecutive PK. Due to failures of primary treatment in 17 eyes (39%), the KLAL was repeated. PK was performed in all the patients at 9-12 months after KLAL. As a retrospective study we analyzed data from the medical records including the preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity, corneal clarity, surgical outcomes and complications, postoperative intraocular pressure, graft rejection, and other comorbidities and complications. Results The preoperative visual acuity ranged from light perception to 0.01. The final improvement of visual acuity within a gain of one or more lines with the Snellen chart, including the results of successive surgical treatments after PK, was achieved in 23 operated eyes (53%). Early graft rejection was observed in 4 eyes (9%). In 3 eyes, it was manifested as endothelial rejection, and in 1 eye, as combined endothelial and epithelial rejection. PK failure requiring repetitive PK was present in 14 eyes (32%). Phthisis bulbi developed in 6 eyes (14%). Glaucoma or ocular hypertension was reported in 25 eyes (58%). A majority were treated with up to 3 topical agents or referred for trabeculectomy in 3 cases, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in 2 eyes, and EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt implantation in 3 cases. Conclusions Successful KLAL carries a high risk of subsequent PK failure. Visual function remains the second aim of treatment; the primary one is to stabilize the surface.

Comparison of Manual and Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty

To compare outcomes of manual Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (M-DMEK) and femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (F-DMEK) in treatment of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) graft failure. Setting: Retrospective, interventional comparative case series. PatientPopulation: Included were all patients with a failed PK graft who underwent either F-DMEK (10 eyes of 10 patients) or M-DMEK (29 eyes of 29 patients) at Toronto Western Hospital and the Kensington Eye Institute between 2014 and 2019, and had 6months of postoperative follow-up. OutcomeMeasures: Rates of graft detachment, rebubbling, rejection and failure, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and endothelial cell (EC) density. Rate of significant graft detachment (detachment requiring either rebubble or repeat keratoplasty) was 10.0% in F-DMEK and 65.5% in M-DMEK (P= .003). Rebubble rate was 10.0% in F-DMEK and 58.6% in M-DMEK (P= .011). Primary failure rate was 0% in F-DMEK and 27.6% in M-DMEK (P= .086). Rates of rejection and secondary failure did not differ between the groups (P= 1.000 for both). In a multivariable analysis, F-DMEK was found to be the only independent factor significantly associated with reduced postoperative detachment. Postoperative BSCVA at 6months returned to prefailure levels in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups at any time point. EC loss rates were 43.8% in F-DMEK and 38.0% in M-DMEK at 6months (P= .453). F-DMEK is a safe and effective procedure in failed PK patients, with outcomes comparable to M-DMEK, and with reduced detachment and rebubble rates. A trend towards reduced primary failure should be further studied.

Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in failed penetrating keratoplasty patients: graft survival rate and its associated factors

Objective: To explore graft survival rate and its associated factors of DSAEK in patients with endothelial decompensation after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Methods: A retrospective case study was conducted, including 51 patients (51 eyes) that underwent DSAEK for endothelial decompensation after PKP in Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2009 to September 2017. The mean recipient age was (43.3±21.0) years. There were 36 males and 15 females. Data comprising demographic details,surgical methods, complications,follow-up durations,final states of grafts,preoperative and postoperative risk factors were collected. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the cumulative probability of graft survival. Cox regression model was developed to examine for factors associated with graft survival. Results: Among 51 eyes,the overall graft survival rate was 78%(40/51). The cumulative probability was 85% (95%CI: 0.73-0.96) and 69% (95%CI: 0.52-0.86) at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. The median survival time was 42 months. The diameter of DSAEK graft and postoperative intraocular pressure correlated with the long-term survival of graft. Larger diameter of DSAEK graft was a protective factor for graft survival (HR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.12-0.73), while postoperative high intraocular pressure was a risk factor (HR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.00-1.16, HR=1.10, 95%CI:1.01-1.12). Recipient age, sex, lens status, the number of previous PKPs and previous glaucoma surgery had no significant effect on long-term survival (P>0.05). Conclusions: DSAEK is an effective treatment for endothelial decompensation after PKP,with favorable graft survival rate. Larger diameter of graft is beneficial to the long-term survival,while high postoperative intraocular pressure is a risk factor for graft failure. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 428-434).

Outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty for failed penetrating keratoplasty

ObjectiveTo analyze the outcomes of femtosecond laser-enabled Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (FE-DMEK) in treatment of failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) grafts. Study DesignRetrospective, interventional case series. ParticipantsPatients with a failed PK graft who underwent FE-DMEK at Toronto Western Hospital, Canada, between 2014 and 2016. MethodsOutcome measures were best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), rates of graft detachment, rebubbling, rejection, and failure. ResultsEight eyes of 8 patients were included. Mean age was 64.7 ± 14.5 years. Average follow-up time was 27.5 ± 8.6 months (range 15–36 months). There were no intraoperative complications and no issues with the creation of the descemetorhexis—all descemetorhexis cuts were complete. There were no significant graft detachments and no need for rebubbling. There were no primary or secondary graft failures and all grafts were viable at the final follow-up. BSCVA worsened from 0.41 ± 0.33 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/50) to 1.37 ± 0.91 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/460) after PK failure (p = 0.012), and improved significantly after FE-DMEK to 0.34 ± 0.14 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/45), 0.42 ± 0.12 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/50), 0.27 ± 0.14 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/35), and 0.25 ± 0.16 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/35) at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and at final follow-up, respectively (p = 0.013, p = 0.027, p = 0.022, and p = 0.008, respectively). ECD decreased from 2837 ± 229 cells/mm2 preoperatively to 1069 ± 413 cells/mm2 (61.4% cell-loss rate) and 974 ± 344 cells/mm2 (64.8% cell-loss rate) at 12 months and 24 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Cell loss was higher than in historical controls. ConclusionsFE-DMEK was effective in the management of PK graft failure, showing very low detachment and rebubble rates.

Comparison of Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in the Treatment of Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty.

To compare the outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the treatment of failed penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). This is a retrospective chart review of patients with failed PKP who underwent DMEK or DSAEK. The median follow-up time for both groups was 28 months (range 6-116 months). Data collection included demographic characteristics, number of previous corneal transplants, previous glaucoma surgeries, best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, graft detachment and rebubble rate, rejection episodes, and graft failure. Twenty-eight eyes in the DMEK group and 24 eyes in the DSAEK group were included in the analysis. Forty-three percent of eyes in the DMEK group and 50% of eyes in the DSAEK group had to be regrafted because of failure (P = 0.80). The most common reason for failure was persistent graft detachment (58%) in the DMEK group and secondary failure (58%) in the DSAEK group; hence, the time between endothelial keratoplasty and graft failure differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.02). Six eyes (21%) in the DMEK group and 7 eyes (29%) in the DSAEK group developed graft rejection (P = 0.39). Rejection was the cause of failure in 67% and 71% in the DMEK and DSAEK groups, respectively. The best-corrected visual acuity 6 months after surgery was better in the DMEK group compared with the DSAEK group (P = 0.051). Both DSAEK and DMEK have a role in treating PKP failure. Primary failure due to persistent graft detachment was significantly higher in the DMEK group, although the overall failure rate in the medium term was similar.