Abstract :
Background: Immunologic corneal allograft rejection represents one of the main cause for graft failure. This study was conducted to observe and comparing the beneficial effect of topical 0.03% tacrolimus on corneal graft survival.
Aim: To compare the effect of topical 0.03% tacrolimus plus 1% topical prednisolone with 1% topical prednisolone alone in preventing rejection after PK.
Materials and Methods: 40 patients were randomly allocated into two groups:
Group A: patients received 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment twice daily for a month plus 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops 2 hourly and tapered monthly. Group B: patients received 1% prednisolone acetate eye drop only 2 hourly and tapered monthly.
The clinical outcomes were assessed in terms of post-op complications, graft rejection, and visual acuity after 6 months of follow-up.
Statistical Analysis used: SPSS software, 20.0 version, IBM, Chicago were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Out of 40 patients, 29 (72.5%) were male and 11(27.5%) were female. Type of surgery and continuous suture closure was found to be statistically significant (p-value < 0 xss=removed>
Conclusion: We conclude that 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment along with 1% topical prednisolone shows promising results and can be considered as an effective modality for preventing complications like secondary glaucoma, graft rejection, and getting the better visual outcome, where p-value (
Key message: All patients should be instructed with regards to the reasonable use of topical tacrolimus to avoid any side effects.
Keyword :
Penetrating keratoplasty, Tacrolimus, Prednisolone, Graft rejection.