Co-transplantation of HLA-matched limbal stem cells and amniotic membrane for treatment of pterygium

Yang Jie; Zhang Jin-sha; Ying Feng

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Co-transplantation of HLA-matched limbal stem cels and amniotic membrane is a new concept for the treatment of pterygium, which is characterized as few complications, fast recovery, and low relapse rate. This treatment has been widely used because of reduced rejections. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect of HLA-matched limbal stem cels and amniotic membrane co-transplantation in the treatment of pterygium. METHODS:Forty-seven patients with pterygium (47 eyes) who underwent the co-transplantation of HLA-matched limbal stem cels and amniotic membrane from March 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014 were enroled as test group. Another 40 patients with pterygium (47 eyes) who received traditional surgical method acted as control group. Therapeutic effectiveness and relapse were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The 47 cases in the test group were successfuly treated with no complications and rejections, and only one case suffered from incision infection but discharged from hospital after symptomatic treatment. After treatment, pterygium relapsed in 2 of 47 eyes in the test group and 15 of 47 eyes in the control group, and the relapse rates were 4.3% and 31.9%, respectively. Results from this study show that the co-transplantation of HLA-matched limbal stem cels and amniotic membrane for treatment of pterygium has fewer complications and lower relapse rate, which is an effective method for the treatment of pterygium.