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Novel interpretation corresponds with long-term data on endothelial cell loss after PK
Cornea. 2010;29(10):1113-1117.
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A novel interpretation of the bi-exponential nature of chronic endothelial cell loss after penetrating keratoplasty in bullous keratopathy and keratoconus concurs with previously published long-term data, according to a study.
Researchers reviewed endothelial graft failures after PK in 88 bullous keratopathy patients and 87 keratoconus patients. After 15 years, 8% of keratoconus patients and 33% of bullous keratopathy patients experienced late endothelial failures.
For study purposes, bullous keratopathy was defined as "almost no autologous endothelium left," and keratoconus was defined as "recipient bed with plenty of autologous endothelium."
Researchers also built a statistical model to predict graft failures from bi-exponential endothelial cell loss and compared this data to actual outcomes. The 95% confidence intervals of the simulated outcomes corresponded exactly to the actual outcomes reported during follow-up.
"Our findings highlight the importance of the role of recipient bed's endothelial reservoir on long-term prognosis after PK," the authors said. "Our novel interpretation of the bi-exponential nature of chronic endothelial cell loss concurs with numerous clinical observations."