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Novel Use of Double-Layer Amniotic Membrane Technique in Tube Erosion in a Pediatric Patient
Altan Atakana Ozcan1, Burak Ulas1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.
Insights
This case report details a novel double-layer amniotic membrane technique successfully treating conjunctival tube erosion in a child with glaucoma and aniridia. This pediatric case highlights a new approach for managing complex ocular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Congenital glaucoma and aniridia present complex pediatric ophthalmic challenges.
- Standard medical treatments and glaucoma valve implantation may not always prevent complications like conjunctival tube erosion.
Observation:
- A 3.5-year-old girl with bilateral congenital glaucoma and aniridia developed conjunctival tube erosion after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.
- Biomicroscopic evaluation confirmed tube erosion requiring surgical intervention.
Findings:
- The novel double-layer amniotic membrane technique was successfully employed to repair the conjunctival tube erosion.
- Post-operative intraocular pressure normalized, and the erosion defect healed and stabilized.
Implications:
- The double-layer amniotic membrane technique offers a promising solution for managing conjunctival tube erosion in pediatric glaucoma patients.
- This represents the first published pediatric case report utilizing amniotic membrane transplantation for this specific complication, paving the way for future research.
Abstract:
This case report illustrates the successful use of the double-layer amniotic membrane technique in a child with glaucoma and aniridia. A 3.5-year-old girl with bilateral congenital glaucoma as well as aniridia, lens coloboma, nystagmus, and strabismus had been followed up since birth. Medical treatment did not result in the desired intraocular pressure improvement. An Ahmed glaucoma valve was implanted bilaterally. In a follow-up visit at 2 years of age, there were complaints of redness with watery discharge in the right eye. A biomicroscopic evaluation revealed tube erosion of the conjunctiva. The eroded area was dissected from the surrounding tissue and the area was closed using the new double-layer amnion membrane technique. After the surgery, the intraocular pressure was normal. Subsequent follow-up indicated that the erosion defect was closed and stabilized. The double-layer amniotic membrane technique can be used successfully in cases of conjunctival tube erosion. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published pediatric case report of using the novel technique of amniotic membrane transplantation for tube erosion.
