Clinical Report: Results of Single Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Corneal Melting
Overview
Revise to clarify the nature of the correlation between lung GVHD and treatment failure.
Background
Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a common complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, affecting a significant number of patients and leading to severe ocular surface disease. Corneal melting, a rare but serious manifestation of oGVHD, can result in vision loss and requires effective treatment strategies. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option, yet its efficacy in this specific context remains under-explored.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Success Group (n=21)
Failure Group (n=10)
Corneal Healing at 6 Months
21
10
Incidence of Lung GVHD
Lower
Higher (OR = 8.021, p = 0.020)
Key Findings
AMT resulted in corneal healing in 21 out of 31 patients at 6 months.
Corneal melting recurred in 10 patients post-AMT.
No significant differences in primary disease or donor sources between success and failure groups.
Higher incidence of lung GVHD was associated with treatment failure (OR = 8.021, p = 0.020).
AMT serves as a biological barrier and promotes epithelialization in corneal injuries.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider AMT as a viable treatment option for corneal melting due to oGVHD, particularly in patients with severe corneal injuries. Monitoring for lung GVHD may be crucial in predicting treatment outcomes and guiding postoperative management.
Conclusion
Single amniotic membrane transplantation shows promise in treating corneal melting associated with oGVHD, although the presence of lung GVHD may complicate outcomes. Further studies are warranted to optimize treatment protocols.
