Anti-fungal efficacy of combination of amphotericin B with colistin and gentamicin in McCarey-Kaufman corneal preservation medium

Purpose: To curtail the potential of donor corneal tissue disseminating fungi to the recipient抯 eye, we evaluated the addition of amphotericin B to McCarey?Kaufman (M?K)梒orneal storage medium supplemented with colistin. Methods: Amphotericin B was examined for its ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus using a microbroth dilution test and checkerboard assay in combination with only gentamicin and a combination of colistin, gentamicin, and amphotericin B. The safety on epithelium and endothelium was evaluated by 3?(4,5?dimethylthiazol?2?yl)?2, 5?diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: The minimal inhibitory concentration of gentamicin was found to be >256 ?g/ml against both C. albicans and A. flavus, whereas that of amphotericin B was found to be in a range of 0.25�5 and 1�?g/ml for C. albicans and A. flavus, respectively. According to the checkerboard assay, 80% (4/5) of C. albicans isolates and 100% (5/5) of A. flavus isolates responded synergistically to the combination of amphotericin B and gentamicin, but only 20% (1/5) of C. albicans isolates showed an additive effect. None of the tested isolates displayed antagonism. The combined effect of the three drugs also did not display any antagonistic effect. Additionally, the MTT assay reveals no toxic effect of the antimicrobials used on corneal epithelial and endothelial cells. Conclusion: In vitro experiments demonstrate that amphotericin B is not toxic to either epithelium or endothelium and is a promising additive to the M?K medium supplemented with colistin.

Comparison of conjunctiva-related complications between scleral and corneal patch grafts in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

Purpose: Comparison of the conjunctiva related complication rates and success rates among eyes with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in which eye bank derived scleral and corneal patch grafts had been used to cover the tube. Methods: Retrospective comparative study. Patients who underwent AGV implantation between January 2000 to December 2016 were included. Demographic, clinical data, intra and post operative data was obtained from electronic medical records. Conjunctiva related complications were divided into two groups: with and without implant exposure. Conjunctiva related complication rates, success rate, risk factors among eyes with corneal and scleral patch graft were compared. Results: Three hundred and twenty three eyes of 316 patients underwent AGV implantation. Scleral patch graft was used in 214 eyes of 210 patients (65.9%) and corneal patch graft was used in 109 eyes of 107 patients (34%). Median follow up was 14 months. There was no significant difference in the conjunctiva related complication rate (7.3 % in corneal patch graft versus 7.0% in scleral patch graft;p=0.5) and conjunctival dehiscence rate (3.7% versus 4.6%, P = 0.7) among the two groups. Success rate was significantly higher in the corneal patch graft group versus the scleral patch graft group (98% versus 72%; p=0.001). Eyes with corneal patch graft had a higher survival rate (P = 0.01). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the rate of conjunctiva related complications following corneal and scleral patch grafts used to cover the AGV tube. Eyes with corneal patch graft had a higher success rate and survival rate.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends in corneal donor mortality data from Eye Bank records in India

Purpose: To describe the causes and trends of corneal donor mortality from eye bank data in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) pandemic. Methods: This retrospective eye bank?based study included 13,529 donors who donated their cornea between January 2018 and December 2021. Donors in whom the cause of mortality was documented were included as cases. The data were collected from the eye bank records. Results: Overall, 13,529 corneal donors were included in the study. Most of the donors were males (69.71%). The mean age of the donors was 51.55 ± 20.54 years, whereas the median age was 51 (inter?quartile range: 35–68) years. The mean age of males (49.3 ± 19.47 years) was lesser than the mean age of females (56.72 ± 21.94 years) at the time of donation. The most common age group at the time of donation was during the sixth decade of life with 2,139 (15.81%) donors. The mean age of the donors decreased by a decade from 54.95 ± 20.51 years in 2018 to 44.35 ± 18.88 years in 2021. The most common cause of donor mortality was cardio?respiratory arrest in 5,190 (38.36%) donors and trauma in 3,469 (25.64%) donors, followed by suicide in 2,790 (20.62%) donors. The trend of cardio?respiratory arrest decreased from 53.01% to 9.5% (p = <0.00001), whereas the trends of trauma increased from 21.93% to 36% (p = <0.00001) and suicide increased from 12.71% to 36.41% (p = <0.00001) between 2018 and 2021. Conclusion: Corneal donors are more commonly males in their sixth decade of life. The most common cause of donor mortality was related to cardio?respiratory arrest with a concerning rising trend in suicide cases over the years seen significantly during the pandemic

Epidemiology of corneal transplantation before achieving the Zero Queue / Epidemiologia do transplante de córnea antes de atingir a Fila Zero

ABSTRACT Objective: To outline the epidemiological profile of cornea donors and recipients before reaching queue zero. Methods: Epidemiological study, of quantitative approach, with transversal, analytical design, analyzing database records from the Health Secretary of the State of Ceará, from 2013 to 2015. Results: We obtained 1,558 cornea donors and 2,287 cornea recipients from 2013 to 2015. Most donors were male, capital residents, from 21 to 40 years old. Of donated eyeballs, 14.52% were disposed, due to poor condition, infiltration or positive serology. The recipients were predominantly women over 60 years old. The procedures were mostly elective, due to bullous keratopathy (28%). Regarding emergency transplants, ulcer (38.51%) and retransplant (35.14%) were most prevalent. Predominantly, transplants were funded by the Unified Health System. Conclusion: The majority of patients who were submitted to corneal transplantation are senile, especially females, therefore should be cautiously observed. On the other hand, donors are mainly male and young, reflecting the high number of tragic accidents. The surgery for bullous keratopathy is the most frequent among elective transplants, while the ulcer surgery is the main cause of emergency procedures. The fact that most surgeries were financed by the Unified Health System reflects the importance of this system.

RESUMO Objetivo: Traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos doadores e receptores de córnea antes de atingir a Fila Zero. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico, de abordagem quantitativa, com delineamento transversal e analítico, analisando registros da base de dados da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Ceará, de 2013 a 2015. Resultados: Foram obtidos 1.558 doadores de córnea e 2.287 receptores de córnea, de 2013 a 2015. A maioria dos doadores era homem, procedente da capital, de 21 a 40 anos. Dentre os globos oculares doados, 14,52% foram descartados por má condição, infiltração ou sorologia positiva. Os receptores eram predominantemente mulheres acima de 60 anos de idade. Os procedimentos foram majoritariamente eletivos, devido à ceratopatia bolhosa (28%). Já para transplantes de emergência, a úlcera (38,51%) e o retransplante (35,14%) foram os mais prevalentes. Em geral, os transplantes foram custeados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes submetidos a transplantes de córnea foram do grupo etário senil, principalmente do sexo feminino, devendo esse grupo ser observado com cautela. Em contrapartida, os doadores eram, principalmente, homens e jovens, refletindo o alto número de pessoas que morrem devido a acidentes trágicos. A cirurgia de ceratopatia bolhosa foi a mais frequente dentre os transplantes eletivos; já a de úlcera foi a principal causa dos procedimentos de emergência. O fato de a maioria das cirurgias ter sido financiada pelo Sistema Único de Saúde reflete a importância desse sistema.

Perfil epidemiológico de doadores de córnea no Piauí / Epidemiological profile of corner donors in Piauí

Resumo Objetivo: O estudo objetivou traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos doadores de córneas no Piauí através de buscas em prontuários. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo, observacional, transversal e retrospectivo, que se propõe a avaliar dados obtidos de prontuários de 811 doadores de córneas do Banco de Olhos do Hospital Getúlio Vargas em Teresina-PI, no período de 1º de Janeiro de 2010 a 31 de Dezembro de 2016. Resultados: O trabalho mostrou um acréscimo do número de doadores ao longo do período de 2010 a 2014, porém decresceu ao longo do período de 2015 a 2016. Observou-se, também, o predomínio dos doadores do gênero masculino, da faixa etária entre 21 a 59 anos, de procedência do município de Teresina e no que diz respeito às causa mortis dos doadores, a maioria dos óbitos ocorreram por causas externas de morbidade e mortalidade (onde se incluem, principalmente, mortes violentas por acidentes automobilísticos, suicídios, ferimentos por arma branca ou de fogo) e a segunda maior causa foi representada por doenças do aparelho circulatório. Conclusão: Para o êxito desse processo é fundamental a conscientização da população sobre a importância e a necessidade das doações de órgãos e tecidos para o benefício de pacientes enfermos, salvando vidas ou reabilitando-os e, dessa forma, permitindo que estes indivíduos participem integralmente da vida social e de atividades econômicas habituais da maioria dos cidadãos. Portanto, é necessário investir em programas, treinamentos e, também ampliar o número de profissionais qualificados, desde a equipe de captação à equipe de transplantes, todos são de extrema importância para o aumento da captação de córneas.

Abstract Purpose: The study aimed to trace the epidemiological profile of donors of corneas in Piauí through searches in medical records. Methods: This is a descriptive, quantitative, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study that aims to evaluate data obtained from medical records of 811 donors of corneas from the Getúlio Vargas Hospital in Teresina-PI, in the period of January 1, 2010 to 31 December 2016. Results: The study showed an increase in the number of donors over the period from 2010 to 2014, but decreased over the period from 2015 to 2016. There was also a predominance of male donors, aged between 21 and 59 years, from the city of Teresina and with regard to the donor's cause of death, the majority of deaths occurred due to external causes of morbidity and mortality (which include, mainly, violent deaths due to automobile accidents, suicides, stab wounds or fire) and the second largest cause was represented by diseases of the circulatory system. Conclusions: For the success of this process, it is essential to make the population aware of the importance and the need for organ and tissue donations for the benefit of sick patients, saving lives or rehabilitating them and, thus, allowing these individuals to participate fully in social life. and the usual economic activities of most citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in programs, training and also to increase the number of qualified professionals, from the capture team to the transplant team, all of which are extremely important for the increase in corneal uptake.

Incidencia de la endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia en la población y los posibles factores de riesgo / Incidence of post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis in the population and possible risk factors

RESUMEN La endoftalmitis es considerada una forma grave de inflamación intraocular, generalmente de etiología infecciosa. Objetivo: Identificar la incidencia de la endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia en la población y los posibles factores de riesgo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" del año 2010 al 2015. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico preoperatorio, procedimientos asociados a la queratoplastia, tiempo de inicio de los síntomas, gérmenes aislados en cultivos y alternativas terapéuticas realizadas. Resultados: Se realizaron 1 442 queratoplastias; 0,41 por ciento de los casos (6 casos, 6 ojos) presentaron endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia. La causa más frecuente de la queratoplastia en estos pacientes fue la queratopatía bulosa pseudofáquica y fáquica, y al 33,3 por ciento se le había realizado cirugía combinada de queratoplastia y catarata. El 66,7 por ciento de los pacientes con endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia tenía más de 60 años de edad y correspondió al sexo masculino. El 50,0 por ciento de los gérmenes aislados eran gram postivos. El 100,0 por ciento de los pacientes recibió intravítreas de antibióticos y solo al 33,3 por ciento de ellos se les realizó vitrectomía precoz. Conclusiones: Es indispensable una estrecha comunicación entre el banco de ojos, los microbiólogos y los oftalmólogos para contribuir a la identificación y a la eliminación de los factores de riesgo, así como a la temprana detección y a una acertada elección terapéutica que favorezca tanto a su prevención como al mejor resultado funcional visual en pacientes portadores de esta devastadora complicación(AU)

ABSTRACT Endophthalmitis is considered to be a severe form of intraocular inflammation of frequent infectious etiology. Objective: Identify the incidence of post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis in the population and its possible risk factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology in the period 2010-2015. The variables analyzed were age, sex, preoperative diagnosis, keratoplasty-related procedures, time of symptom onset, germs isolated in cultures and therapeutic alternatives implemented. Results: A total 1 442 keratoplasties were performed; 0.41 percent of the cases (6 cases, 6 eyes) presented post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis. The most common reason for keratoplasty among these patients was pseudophakic bullous and phakic keratopathy. 33.3 percent had undergone combined keratoplasty-cataract surgery. Of the patients with post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis, 66.7 percent were aged over 60 years and male. Of the germs isolated, 50.0 percent were gram-positive. 100.0 percent of the patients received intravitreal antibiotics, and only 33.3 percent of them underwent early vitrectomy. Conclusions: Close communication is indispensable between the eye bank, microbiologists and ophthalmologists to contribute to identification and elimination of risk factors, as well as early detection and appropriate therapeutic selection to facilitate prevention and obtain the best visual functional result in sufferers of this devastating complication(AU)

Eye donation in north India: Trends, awareness, influences and barriers

Purpose: To understand trends, awareness, influences and barriers to eye donation in Indian society. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Delhi from March 2017 to February 2018. About 10 hospitals collaborated with the Eye Bank under Human Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP). Eye Bank recruited Eye Donation Counselors (EDCs) to approach family members of the deceased. A pretested questionnaire was used for this study. Irrespective of whether the next of kin of the deceased consented for eye donation or not, the option of participating in the survey was given. Results: Out of 473 potential donors identified, 407 (86%) next of kin consented to participate in the study. Of these, 388 (95.3%) were males and 19 (4.7%) were females. About 168 (41%) consented for eye donation and were assigned to donor group, while 239 (59%) participants refused eye donation and were assigned to non-donor group. Majority of the participants were siblings 170 (41.8%) of the deceased and the mean age of the deceased was 42.71 ± 17.56 years. The foremost concern before decision-making was transparency in how the cornea would be used (32.25%). The concern with regards to whether the body would remain intact after eye donation significantly decreased the probability of consent for eye donation. Conclusion: The study highlights that barriers to eye donation in India are not cultural or religious but more due to misinformation and proper utilization of the donated tissue. This study also emphasizes the pivotal role of EDC's in facilitating the eye donation movement.

Knowledge and attitude regarding eye donation among the people of rural area in Kinaye, Belagavi: a cross sectional study

Background: Corneal diseases are the second major cause of blindness. Corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment with high rate of success but there is a shortage of corneal donors. The study analyzed various factors affecting the willingness to donate cornea. Methods: This community based cross sectional study was conducted among the adults residing in 9 sub-centres under PHC Kinaye, Belagavi in Karnataka, India. The participants (n=400) answered questionnaires which included details such as the demographic profile and, awareness and willingness to donate eyes. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the data. Results: Out of 400 participants, 80.5% were aware of eye donation among which 52% were willing to donate. Univariate analysis showed that adults who were less than 40 years were more aware when compared to those who were more than 40 years (p=0.0001) and more educated adults were willing to donate than illiterate. Adults from joint family were more aware when compared to those from nuclear family (p=0.005). Religious beliefs influenced the willingness of adults for donation as 83.6% denied willingness to donate. Conclusions: The results of our study strongly suggest that there are a lot of misconceptions regarding eye donation in most parts of our country. It is evident from our study that education and involvement of those in health sector, will help to spread knowledge about eye donation and to eliminate misconceptions and ignorance about corneal donation.

Causes of death and discard of donated corneal tissues: Federal District eye bank analysis 2014 -2017 / Causa mortis dos doadores e motivo de descarte das córneas: banco de olhos do Distrito Federal 2014-2017

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the causes for discarding corneas at the Eye Bank of the Federal District in Brasilia, Brazil, and describe the social and demographic variables and Causa Mortis of cornea donors from 2014 to 2017. Methods: We conducted an exploratory and social-epidemiologic descriptive study regarding cornea donation. The data base information was obtained from the corneal donor's medical records analysis. All of the potential donors' records (cause of death, cause of cornea discard, month of donation, age, gender, and time of death, corneal enucleation and preservation), from 2014 to 2017 were included in the study. Results: We looked at 1,574 corneal donor notifications. Demographic characteristics displayed significant differences in gender distribution (male, 74.8% and female, 25.2%), and the average donor age was 40 ± 15.9 years. 25% of the causes of death were from cardiovascular disease followed by 19.6% from sharp or blunt instrument injury, 14.2% resulted from multiple traumas. We described 3,074 donated corneas from the DF Eye Bank, where 2.6% has not been uptaken. Of those 3,074 corneal tissues, nearly 60% (n=1,836) have been transplanted and 40% (n=1,238) were discarded. Regarding the causes of discard, 68% (n=841) were due to positive or indeterminate serological blood tests and 39% (n=486) because of matureness (expired medium guaranteed period of corneal preservation). Conclusions: Specific issues such as violent causes of death, gender disproportion and total time of corneal processing can be better managed to reduce procurement times, and availability, of corneal tissue for transplantation.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar as causas do descarte de córneas no Banco de Olhos do Distrito Federal, em Brasília, Brasil, descrever as variáveis sociodemográficas e causa de morte dos doadores de córnea de 2014 a 2017. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo exploratório e socioepidemiológico sobre as doações de córnea. As informações da base de dados foram obtidas a partir da análise dos prontuários dos doadores. Todos os registros dos potenciais doadores (causa da morte, causa do descarte, mês de doação, idade, sexo e tempo de morte, enucleação e preservação da córnea), de 2014 a 2017, foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados: Analisamos 1.574 notificações de doadores. Características demográficas apresentaram diferenças significativas na distribuição por sexo (masculino, 74,8% e feminino, 25,2%). A idade média dos doadores foi de 40 ± 15,9 anos. 25% das causas de morte foram de doenças cardiovasculares, seguidas de 19,6% de perfurações por arma de fogo e 14,2% de múltiplos traumas. Descrevemos as 3.074 córneas doadas ao Banco de Olhos do DF e onde apenas 2,6% não foram captadas. Dos 3.074 tecidos da córnea, quase 60% (n = 1.836) foram transplantados e 40% (n = 1.238) foram descartados. Quanto às causas de descarte, 68% (n = 841) foram devidas a exames sorológicos positivos ou indeterminados e 39% (n = 486) por tempo de vencimento (período máximo de preservação da córnea). Conclusões: Questões específicas como causas violentas de morte, desproporção de gênero e tempo total de processamento da córnea podem ser melhor gerenciadas para reduzir o tempo de captação e a disponibilidade de tecido para transplante.

Procurement, storage and utilization trends of eye banks in India

Purpose: To study the trends in collection, storage and utilization of donor corneas in eye banks in India. Methods: The data was collected from 12 eye banks in India that collected more than 1000 corneas per year. The retrospective analysis of the parameters like characteristics of the donor and the host, storage media used, number of eyes collected, number of eyes utilized, causes of non-utilization of the tissue and the procedures performed was done. Results: A total of 20,564 eyes were collected by the 12 eye banks during the year 2013–2014. Voluntary eye donation (VED), and hospital cornea retrieval program (HCRP) contributed to 59.6% and 40.4% of tissue procurement respectively. Whole globe enucleation (52.3%) was more commonly performed as compared to in-situ excision of the donor corneas. The most commonly used storage media at all eye banks was McCarey-Kaufman (MK) media (83.3%). The utilization rate of the donor eyes was 50.5%. The most frequent indication for corneal transplantation was infection (active infection - 33.13%, healed infection - 10.78%) followed by Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) (13.57%). Full thickness keratoplasty (optical penetrating keratoplasty - 47.23%, therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty - 31.74%) was performed most often followed by endothelial keratoplasty (12.41%) in the developing country. Conclusion: VED still contributes to majority of the donor tissue retrieval in India. The majority of the eye banks still utilize whole globe enucleation technique and store tissues in MK media. Trends from previous years showed a change towards HCRP, in-situ excision technique and preservation in the long-term storage media.

Thickness and immunohistochemistry of LASIK flaps created by different femtosecond lasers in eye-bank corneas / Espessura e imunohistoquímica de flap de LASIK criado com diferentes laseres de femtosegundo em córneas de banco de olhos

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the corneal cell viability and thickness of LASIK flaps created by 3 femtosecond lasers in eye-bank human corneas. Methods: Forty-five eye-bank human sclerocorneal buttons (15 corneas in each group) were examined after the creation of 120 mm-thick laser-assisted keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps with 150kHz iFS In­traLase™ (IL), Z6 Femto LDV™ (LDV), or 200kHz Wavelight™ FS200 (FS200). The thickness of the flaps was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT; Visante™). Cell viability was blindly evaluated with immunohistochemistry for keratocyte apoptosis using anti-caspase 3 antibodies. Results: The standard deviation from the intended flap thickness was less than 10 mm in all the groups. There was a statistically significant difference in corneas treated with LDV and IL with regard to the flap thickness horizontally at +3.00 mm (p=0.0124), -0.5 mm (p=0.0082), and -1.00 mm (p=0.0425) from the corneal vertex and +0.5 mm from the flap edge (p=0.0240), and those treated with LDV and FS200 with regard to the flap thickness horizontally at -0.5 mm from the corneal vertex (p=0.0082). The mean keratocyte apoptosis numbers were 13.09 ± 1.10, 15.59 ± 3.28, and 17.72 ± 1.49 in corneas treated with IL, FS200, and LDV, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: All 3 assessed femtosecond lasers provided predictable LASIK flap thickness. The mean stromal keratocyte apoptosis number was low in all groups.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar a viabilidade celular e a espessura do disco de LASIK confeccionado por três laseres de femtosegundo, em córneas humanas de banco de olhos. Métodos: Quarenta e cinco botões córneo-esclerais humanos de banco de olhos (15 córneas em cada grupo) foram examinados, após a criação de disco de LASIK com 120 mm de espessura, utilizando-se o iFS IntraLase® 150kHz (IL), o Femto LDV® Z6 (LDV), ou o Wavelight® FS200 200kHz (FS200). Tomografia de coerência óptica do seguimento anterior (OCT Visante®) foi usada para medir a espessura dos discos. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada por meio de imuno-histoquímica para apoptose dos ceratócitos, com anti-caspase 3. Resultados: O desvio padrão da espessura planejada do disco foi inferior a 10 mm em todos os grupos. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante da espessura do disco horizontalmente a +3,00 mm (p=0,0124), -0,5 mm (p=0,0082) e -1,00 mm (p=0,0425), a partir do vértice corneal, e a +0,5 mm (p=0,0240), a partir da borda do disco, em córneas tratadas por LDV e IL, e horizontalmente a -0,5 mm a partir do vértice corneal, entre LDV e FS200 (p=0,0082). A média de apoptose dos ceratócitos foi (13,09 ± 1,10), (15,59 ± 3,28) e (17,72 ± 1,49), em córneas tratadas pelo IL, FS200 e LDV, respectivamente (p<0,001). Conclusão: Todos os três laseres de femtosegundo estudados produziram disco de LASIK com predictibilidade de espessura. A média de apoptose dos ceratócitos foi baixa em todos os grupos.

Quality indicators for eye bank

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify quality indicators of the eye bank and validate their effectivity. Methods: Adverse reaction rate, discard rate, protocol deviation rate, and compliance rate were defined as Quality Indicators of the eye bank. These were identified based on definition of quality that captures two dimensions – “result quality” and “process quality.” The indicators were measured and tracked as part of quality assurance (QA) program of the eye bank. Regular audits were performed to validate alignment of standard operating procedures (SOP) with regulatory and surgeon acceptance standards and alignment of activities performed in the eye bank with the SOP. Prospective study of the indicators was performed by comparing their observed values over the period 2011–2016. Results: Adverse reaction rate decreased more than 8-fold (from 0.61% to 0.07%), discard rate decreased and stabilized at 30%, protocol deviation rate decreased from 1.05% to 0.08%, and compliance rate reported by annual quality audits improved from 59% to 96% at the same time. In effect, adverse reaction rate, discard rate, and protocol deviation rate were leading indicators, and compliance rate was the trailing indicator. Conclusion: These indicators fulfill an important gap in available literature on QA in eye banking. There are two ways in which these findings can be meaningful. First, eye banks which are new to quality measurement can adopt these indicators. Second, eye banks which are already deeply engaged in quality improvement can test these indicators in their eye bank, thereby incorporating them widely and improving them over time.

Factors affecting the serological testing of cadaveric donor cornea

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serological profile of the eye donors and to study the influence of various factors on serological test results. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted, and data of 509 donors were reviewed from the records of eye bank from December 2012 to June 2017. Various details of donors analyzed included the age, sex of the donor, cause of death, source of tissue, time since blood collection after death, macroscopic appearance of blood sample, and details of discarded tissues. Serological examination of blood was performed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL), and serology reports reactive or nonreactive were analyzed. Results: Among the 509 donors, 295 (58%) were male, and 420 (82.50%) belonged to age group ?60 years. Most donors (354, 69.5%) died due to cardiac arrest. Macroscopically, sera were normal in the majority of 488 (95.9%) cases. Among 509 donors, 475 (93.3%) were nonreactive, 12 (2.4%) donors were found to be reactive to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and 1 (0.2%) was reactive to HCV, but no donor serology was reactive to HIV or VDRL. Twenty-one (4.12%) donors' sera were not fit for serological testing. Among all donors, 475 (93.32%) donors were accepted and 34 (6.67%) were rejected or discarded on the basis of serological testing. Cause of death and macroscopic aspect of sera influenced the serological results in a highly significant manner (P = 0.00). Acceptance or rejection of the donor was significantly influenced by the serological results of the donor (P = 0.00). Conclusion: The seroprevalence among eye donor for HBsAg and HCV was 12 (2.4%) and 1 (0.2%), respectively. Factors such as cause of death and macroscopic aspect of sera influence the serological results. Time since blood collection or sampling will not show any impact on viral serological results if postmortem sampling will be done in < 10 hours(h) after death which can improve the safety and utility of the donor cornea.

Current status and progress of corneal preservation methods / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Corneal endothelial cell(CEC)is the most critical part for the cornea, of which activity can influence the postoperative vision.It is very important for the clinical cornea preservation considering the function and its self-purification of donor cornea.There are a variety of classical methods, which can significantly prolong the saving time of donor cornea with its good quality of CEC.We reviewed the published papers about present preservation methods of cornea, which can give us many suggestions for the clinical cornea preservation.

Quantitative & qualitative analysis of endothelial cells of donor cornea before & after penetrating keratoplasty in different pathological conditions.

Background & objectives: Endothelial cells of the donor cornea are known to be affected quantitatively and qualitatively in different pathological conditions after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and this has direct effect on the clarity of vision obtained after PK. This study was undertaken to analyze the qualitative and quantitative changes in donor endothelial cells before and after PK in different pathological conditions. Methods: A prospective investigational analysis of 100 consecutive donor corneas used for penetrating keratoplasty between June 2006 and June 2008, was conducted. The patients were evaluated on the first day, at the end of first week, first month, third and six months and one year. Results: A decrease was observed in endothelial cell count in all pathological conditions. After one year of follow up the loss was 33.1 per cent in corneal opacity, 45.9 per cent in acute infective keratitis (AIK), 58.5 per cent in regrafts, 28.5 per cent in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK), 37 per cent in descemetocele, 27 per cent in keratoconus and 35.5 per cent in aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) cases. Interpretation & conclusions: The endothelial cell loss was highest in regraft cases which was significant (P<0.05), while the least endothelial cell loss was seen in keratoconus cases. The cell loss was associated with increase in coefficient of variation (CV), i.e. polymegathism and pleomorphism. Inspite of this polymegathism and pleomorphism, the clarity of the graft was maintained.

Changing pattern of utilization of human donor cornea in India.

Purpose: To review the changing pattern of donor, corneal utilization in an eye bank at a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India by analyzing the trend in the years 2003, 2008, and 2011. Methods: A retrospective review of eye bank records for 3 years (2003, 2008, and 2011) was performed at the National Eye Bank. Details including a clinical grade of donor cornea, indication of corneal transplantation (therapeutic or optical), type of procedure (penetrating or lamellar keratoplasty [LK]), and clinical diagnosis of the graft recipients were recorded. Primary outcome measure was to observe any preference toward LK, judicious usage of donor corneal tissue, and impact of lamellar corneal transplant in the usage of donor corneas. Secondary outcomes included overall utilization rate and change in trend of indication for keratoplasty. Results: A total of 673, 745, and 864 corneas were retrieved in the years 2003, 2008, and 2011, respectively. The percentage of donor corneal utilization increased significantly over time with the rate being 65.08%, 70.06%, and 68.29%, respectively, in the years 2003, 2008, and 2011 (P = 0.014); however, this change was reflected only in the usage of nonoptical grade corneas and not for the optical grade corneas. There was an overall increase in lamellar corneal procedures for any clinical grade of cornea (P = 0.0019); number of Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) procedures increased significantly (P < 0.001), particularly for pseudophakic corneal edema (PCE) (P = 0.0085) and failed graft (P = 0.002). Significant increase in the utilization of nonoptical grade corneas was observed over the years (P = 0.005), though the utilization did not increase significantly for optical purposes viz., LK (P = 0.08). Conclusions: Utilization rate of donor corneas increased over the years, primarily due to increase in usage of nonoptical grade corneas for therapeutic purposes. There was a procedural shift toward DSAEK for PCE and failed graft. However, an increase in usage of nonoptical grade corneas for LK, a single donor corneal tissue for two recipients, and retrieval or utilization of optical grade cornea was not observed.

Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Profile, Treatment Outcomes and the Demand for Corneal Transplantation in Microbial Keratitis: A Single Center Analysis.

Aim: The aim was to study the clinical profile, treatment outcomes, and the magnitude of corneal donor requirement secondary to corneal ulcers in our institute. Materials and Methods: A prospective case series study was carried out on 134 eyes of 134 consecutive patients presenting with corneal ulcers from January 2010 to December 2013 at our tertiary eye care center. Information was recorded about the patient’s age and gender, risk factors, prior therapy, clinical presentation, microbiological work-up, management and its outcome. Results: Majority of the corneal ulcers (46.2%) were seen in patients in the productive age-group (21 and 50 years), with 83% male preponderance. Ocular trauma (47%) with vegetative matter was the main predisposing factor. Of the corneal ulcers, 52.9% were of fungal, followed by viral, bacterial and neurotrophic etiology. At presentation, 11.1% were on topical steroid therapy. Only 41% had microbiological confirmation. About 47.7% healed with significant scarring, 41.7% with minimal scarring and 10.4% progressed to complications. Of the 10% eyes with complications, emergency keratoplasty was done in 4% and evisceration in 2%. 17% of eyes responded to antimicrobial therapy; 60% eyes needed therapeutic keratoplasty. Conclusion: Despite an early and aggressive management, we found that 89% of ulcers healed with corneal scarring and poor visual outcome and 60% eyes needed keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. Hence, combined public health initiatives, overall improvement in medical care and adopting successful eye bank development models is important to meet the increasing demand for keratoplasty.

Doação e fila de transplante de córnea no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Donation and waiting list for corneal transplantation in the State of Rio de Janeiro

O presente trabalho objetiva descrever o processo de doação, captação, fila de espera e transplante de órgãos e tecidos como uma das políticas de saúde no Brasil e no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, com ênfase nos procedimentos relativos aos transplantes de córnea. A baixa notificação de possíveis doadores e a alta taxa de negativa familiar na doação associado ao insuficiente número de córneas disponibilizadas por Banco de Olhos são os principais fatores que limitam o aumento do número dos transplantes de córnea no Brasil. A criação do Banco de Olhos do Rio de Janeiro, associado a politicas que estimulam o aumento da notificação e captação de córneas visa diminuir a fila de espera para transplante de córnea no Estado.

This paper aims to describe the process of organ and tissue donation, tissue harvesting, queue and transplants as a health policy in Brazil and in the State of Rio de Janeiro, with emphasis on procedures for corneal transplantation. The low reporting of possible donors associated with a high rate of negative family in donation, associated with the insufficient number of corneas provided by Eye Banks are the main factors limiting the increase in the number of corneal transplants in Brazil. The creation of the Rio de Janeiro Eye Bank associated with policies that encourage increased reporting and collection of corneas aims to reduce the waiting list for corneal transplantation in Rio de Janeiro State.

The grave necessity to make eye bank specular microscopy mandatory in all eye banks in the subcontinent to improve utilization of scarce donor corneas.

Context: Donor tissue scarcity, Eye Bank Specular Microscopy as yet not made mandatory and tissue utilization often based on clinical judgment only. Aims: Prospectively analyze alteration in clinical grading of donor corneas and hence utilization, based on Eye Bank Specular Microscopy (EBSM) and to infer if EBSM should be mandatory in all eye banks. Materials and Methods: 200 consecutive otherwise ‘suitable for surgery’ donor eyes were graded clinically. On quantitative and qualitative analysis of endothelial cells by EBSM, final grading was adjusted. Impact on subsequent utilization for various surgeries was analyzed with regard to Age of Donor, Death to Enucleation Time, Death to Preservation Time and Lens Status of Donor Eye. Results: 76 eyes (38%) (P < 0.05) had significant change in grading. 12/59 (20.30%) tissues from donors <=40 years showed Cell Density (CD) between 1801‑2500. 19/76 (25%) tissues from donor >60 years showed CD >= 2500. From donor >=81 years, 2/13 (15.3%) eyes showed CD between 2501‑3000 and 1 (7.6%) eye showed CD > 3000. Owing to better grading after EBSM, 13/14 (92.85%) tissues with DTET >6 hours and 5/5 (100%) tissues with DTPT > 16 hours were transplanted. Out of 45 (22.5%) pseudo‑phakic tissues, 21 (46.67%) tissues were used for Therapeutic/Tectonic Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP) while 24 (53.33%) tissues were used for Optical PKP. Conclusions: EBSM significantly alters final grading of tissues and its subsequent utilization. Acquiring huge importance in areas where adequate supply of corneas is lacking, EBSM becomes an indispensable tool for optimizing availability of qualified tissues for surgery. EBSM should be made a mandatory analysis.

Improving slit lamp microscope to be applied in eye bank / 重庆医科大学学报

Objective:To examine the quality of the donor corneal tissue preserved with Optisol.Methods:An auto-designed bottle underprop was installed on the chin underprop of slit lamp microscope,and it was applied to examine the quality of donor corneal tissue preserved in bottle with Optisol.Results:The donor corneal layers preserved in bottle with Optisol could be observed clearly from endothelial layer to epithelial layer by improved slit lamp microscope.Conclusion:An effective examining method is supplied to assure the quality of donor corneal tissue from eye bank.