BACKGROUND: Keratolysis in @entity309 is a well-known disorder that may rapidly destroy the entire @entity2687 , resulting in descemetocele formation and eventually corneal perforation. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical and functional results of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in these @entity1 . @entity1 AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of @entity1 having undergone PK over a 5-year period and evaluated the outcome. In 16 eyes of 15 @entity1 , PKs were performed (graft diameter 3.0-11.0 mm) because of @entity2687 with perforation or descemetocele formation. In 9 eyes, we used topical @entity205 (2%) as an adjunct therapy after transplantation in addition to systemic immunosuppressive agents. RESULTS: Following a mean follow-up time of 17 months, anatomical success could be achieved in all eyes; none of the eyes underwent enucleation or evisceration. @entity260 following the first PK were @entity735 (50%), corneal ulceration in 5 eyes (31%), fistulation in 4 eyes (25%), suture loosing in 4 eyes (25%) and graft rejection in 2 eyes (13%). Additionally 5 regrafts were required because of recurrence of @entity2687 or persistent deep stromal defects. Comparison of complications of the @entity1 receiving topical @entity205 to the control group showed a statistically significant lower incidence of @entity2372 (p < 0.025) and @entity1066 recurrence in the @entity205 group during the first 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The final best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in 4 eyes but was limited to 20/200 or less in 7 eyes. CONCLUSION: Whereas PK can be successful to restore the anatomical integrity of severely altered eyes, the high prevalence of complications limits the indication for PK as a last stage procedure when other methods of management have failed. The use of topical @entity205 as adjunct therapy needs further evaluation.

Outcome of penetrating keratoplasty in XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'PATIENTS'] @entity2372 :: ('MESH:C562399', 'Disease') :: ['epithelial keratopathy'] @entity1066 :: ('MESH:D014456', 'Disease') :: ['ulcer'] @entity260 :: ('MESH:D011183', 'Disease') :: ['Postoperative complications'] @entity205 :: ('MESH:D016572', 'Chemical') :: ['cyclosporine A'] @entity735 :: ('MESH:D005124', 'Disease') :: ['epithelial keratopathy in 8 eyes'] @entity2687 :: ('MESH:D003316', 'Disease') :: ['corneal stroma', 'corneal melting'] @entity309 :: ('MESH:D001172', 'Disease') :: ['rheumatoid arthritis']
@entity309 :: (MESH:D001172,Disease) :: ['rheumatoid arthritis']
