AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE TRANSPLANTATION FOR OCULAR SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION AFTER SEVERE HERPES ZOSTER KERATOPATHY

97th DOG Annual Meeting 1999

P84
AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE TRANSPLANTATION FOR OCULAR SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION AFTER SEVERE HERPES ZOSTER KERATOPATHY

B. F. B. Gabler und C. P. Lohmann

Amniotic membrane transplantation is becoming more and more popular for the treatment of ocular surface reconstruction. In this paper we report of a so far unusual indication for such a treatment.

Methods: A 73-year old male has suffered from a severe Herpes Zoster keratouveitis resulting in a disciforme keratopathy with superficial and deep neovascularisation, loss of limbus cells and severe conjunctivalisation of the cornea. We have removed the fibrovascular tissue from the cornea and the conjunctiva including the areas of insufficient limbal stem cells. The amniotic membrane was sutured with multiple single 10.0 nylon to the underlying cornea or limbus. After surgery a bandage contact lens was applied for 4 weeks. Topical dexamethasone, antibiotics, and artificial tears was administered for 3 months. In order to avoid recurrence of the Herpes Zoster keratitis 2x400 mg acyclovir was given for 3 months.

Results: Within a few days after surgery the inflammatory signs of the eye was remarkable reduced. Over weeks the cornea became clear and the deep neovascularisation were closed.

Conclusions: Amniotic membrane transplantation seems to be an interesting technique for the treatment of severely damaged corneas after inflammatory diseases. Further studies will show if this technique might replace penetrating keratoplasty in cases associated with a high risk of graft failure.

Universitäts-Augenklinik, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee, D-93042 Regensburg

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