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Study shows 26% endothelial cell loss post-PK
In a study of penetrating keratoplasty performed on cadaver eyes, immediate total endothelial cell loss was found to be 26%, and the majority of that loss occurred peripherally, the authors reported in Cornea.
Alqudah and colleagues performed 10 penetrating keratoplasty (PK) procedures on cadaver eyes using healthy corneal-scleral tissues from donors. Endothelial damage and cell loss was determined by evaluating the pattern and quantity of staining shown in digital high-definition photos, according to the abstract.
The researchers found that the mean total endothelial cell loss was 25.7% ±7.5%, with a range of 18% to 39%, they reported in the study. They also found that 58.3% of the loss was in the peripheral 0.75 mm, and 12.4% of the loss was in the central 3.00 mm.
The authors stated that PK, the most common form of corneal grafting in the U.S., will continue to play a prominent role in visually rehabilitating patients with full-thickness corneal disease or scarring.
“Understanding the patterns of acute endothelial injury from the PK surgical procedure will have direct benefit for our patients,” they concluded.