[Penetrating keratoplasty in children]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in children is a complex procedure with historically high risks.
• Advancements in surgical techniques and therapies have led to increased indications for pediatric PKP.
• Understanding the outcomes of PKP in pediatric populations is crucial for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomical and functional results of penetrating keratoplasty in pediatric patients.
• To identify factors influencing graft success and visual acuity following PKP in children.
• To assess the long-term outcomes of corneal transplantation in individuals under 16 years of age.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 23 penetrating keratoplasties (22 eyes) in 20 pediatric patients (age < 16 years) from 1991-2000.
• Data collection included indications for surgery, graft clarity, rejection rates, graft failure, and postoperative visual acuity.
• Mean follow-up duration was 41.8 months.

Main Results:

• Grafts remained clear in 83.3% of cases (20 out of 23).
• Graft rejection occurred in 4 cases, and graft failure in 3 cases (16.6%).
• Mean postoperative visual acuity was 3/10, with a range from 1/20 to 7/10.

Conclusions:

• Penetrating keratoplasty in children can achieve satisfactory anatomical success with good graft survival.
• Functional results, particularly visual acuity, are moderately improved, often limited by factors like amblyopia.
• Amblyopia represents a significant challenge to achieving optimal visual outcomes after pediatric corneal grafting.