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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: June 12, 2012
[Effect of donor illness on endothelial cell number of human corneas]
C Redbrake1, P Sieben, S Salla
1Augenklinik, RWTH Aachen.
Insights
The cause of death does not impact endothelial cell density in donor corneas. This finding supports using corneas from individuals with long-standing diseases for transplantation, addressing donor shortages.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Transplantation Science
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Limited availability of donor corneas in clinical settings.
- Necessity to utilize corneas from donors with pre-existing health conditions.
- Importance of donor cornea quality for successful transplantation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of the cause of death on endothelial cell density in fresh human corneas.
- To determine if donor premortal history influences corneal endothelial cell count.
- To assess the viability of using corneas from donors with chronic illnesses.
Summary:
- Endothelial cell counts were analyzed in 81 donor corneas, categorized by cause of death (sudden death, carcinoma, septicemia, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus).
- No significant differences in endothelial cell density were observed among the different cause-of-death groups.
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in donors also showed no impact on corneal cell density.
Impact:
- Corneas from donors with long-standing diseases possess sufficient endothelial cell density for transplantation.
- The cause of death is not a limiting factor in donor cornea suitability.
- This research expands the pool of potential donor corneas, potentially alleviating shortages.
Background:
In most clinical centers donor material can not be obtained in necessary amounts. Therefore corneas from long-suffering donors have to be accepted, too. It was the aim of this study to demonstrate the influence of the cause of death on the endothelial cell density of fresh human corneas.
Material And Methods:
The endothelial cell count of 81 donor corneas was determined after preparation of the corneo-scleral disc. For all donors the premortal history was evaluated concerning the cause of death and therapy. In this manner donors were divided into five groups: sudden death, carcinoma, septicemia, renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus.
Results:
There were no significant differences in endothelial cell count between these five groups. Even chemotherapy and radiatio of the donor had no influence on the cell density.
Conclusion:
It may be concluded, that clear corneas have a sufficient endothelial cell density and that the cause of death has no influence on this parameter. Therefore also corneas from donors with long-standing diseases may be accepted for transplantation.
