High-risk penetrating keratoplasty

Abstract

Background: Loss of immune privilege has important connotations for graft survival, often in clinical scenarios where the other eye is irreversibly blind. This article looks at the state of the evidence-based treatment available for high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (P.K.). Materials and Methods: Review of pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms present was done. Conclusion: Pre-, intra-, and post-operative considerations in P.K. in high-risk situation along with the role of immune-suppression are discussed. Success in high-risk keratoplasty depends on an ongoing effort during as well as life-long after P.K. The role of nonimmunological factors such as glaucoma, reactivation of infection, and unstable ocular surface are important determinants in graft failure.

Keywords

• Graft rejection
• immunologically high-risk keratoplasties
• pre-
• intra-
• and post-operative management
• systemic immunosuppression