Reappraisal of the suitability of corneas from bacteremic donors for use in corneal transplants
Journal
British Journal of Ophthalmology
Journal Volume
103
Journal Issue
8
Pages
1030-1034
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examined whether corneas from bacteremic donors could be used for corneal transplant. METHODS: Corneas donated to the National Eye Bank of Taiwan between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2017 were included in this study. All the corneas had corneoscleral rim cultures during the retrieval process and were hypothermic preserved in the Optisol-GS storage medium. A microbial work-up flow chart was used for the sterility check of all grafts. Bacteremic donors were defined as those whose last blood culture before corneal donation was positive. The microbial contamination rates, the endothelial cell densities, the tissue utility rates and early complications after transplants were compared between the corneas from bacteremic versus non-bacteremic donors. RESULTS: ) (p=0.63). Corneas from bacteremic and non-bacteremic donors shared a similar utility rate (98.6% vs 99.4%)(p=0.41). None of the corneas caused infectious complications after transplants. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that corneas from bacteremic and non-bacteremic donors have equally low contamination rates and are of the same quality in terms of endothelial cell density and safety.
SDGs
Type
journal article