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Autologous limbal stem cell transplantation restores ocular surface, improves VA
Stem Cells. 2009. doi:10.1002/stem.276.
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The transplantation of cultured corneal stem cells safely and effectively treated patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, according to a study.
Autologous limbal stem cells were cultured and transplanted without the use of immunosuppressive drugs or animal cells, the study authors said.
"This study demonstrates that transplantation of autologous limbal epithelial stem cells cultured on [human amniotic membrane] without the use of non-human animal cells or products is a safe and effective method of reconstructing the corneal surface and restoring useful vision in patients with unilateral total [limbal stem cell deficiency]," the authors said.
The prospective study included eight eyes of eight patients with unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency treated with autologous limbal stem cell transplants. Limbal stem cells were obtained by biopsy of the limbus, expanded ex vivo and transplanted back to the limbus. Mean follow-up was 19 months.
Study data showed that all eight eyes attained satisfactory ocular surface reconstruction with a stable corneal epithelium. Results showed improved best corrected visual acuity in five eyes and stable BCVA in three eyes. All patients also had statistically significant improvement in visual impairment and pain scores (P < .05).
Chemical burns are the leading cause of limbal stem cell deficiency, which is also associated with several ocular surface diseases, the authors said.