Chen Y.-M.FUNG-RONG HUJEHN-YU HUANGShen E.P.Tsai T.-Y.WEI-LI CHEN2020-10-222020-10-2220100002-9394https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77956061021&doi=10.1016%2fj.ajo.2010.03.024&partnerID=40&md5=a16f639d9c616afbfeb1bb8d239064d5https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/517826PURPOSE: To analyze factors influencing corneal graft re-epithelialization after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and evaluate the effect of topical autologous serum in promoting graft re-epithelialization. DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. METHODS: We analyzed 165 eyes of 165 patients who underwent PK between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2007. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to routine use or non-use of postoperative 20% topical autologous serum. Postoperative slit-lamp examination after fluorescein staining was performed, and graft re-epithelialization time was recorded. Recipient/donor characteristics, surgical variables, and topical use of autologous serum were analyzed for their effects on post-PK graft re-epithelialization. Statistical analysis was performed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis using the ordinal logistic fit model to assess the potential risk factors influencing graft re-epithelialization after PK. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (DM), longer death-to-storage time and death-to-surgery time of the donor, and larger recipient size significantly delayed graft re-epithelialization (P < .05). Use of autologous serum significantly expedited graft re-epithelialization (P = .004). In multiple regression analysis, only DM in the recipient (odds ratio [OR] = 5.10, P < .001), postoperative use of autologous serum (OR = 0.54, P = .046), and larger graft size (OR = 4.44, P < .001) influenced graft re- epithelialization. The beneficial and healing effect of autologous serum is particularly significant in diabetic recipients and larger grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors may influence graft re-epithelialization after PK. Graft re-epithelialization time was longer in diabetic recipients and larger grafts. Use of autologous serum may be a beneficial strategy in these patients with potentially delayed epithelial healing. ? 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.[SDGs]SDG3journal article10.1016/j.ajo.2010.03.024205796302-s2.0-77956061021