Amniotic membrane transplants in the pediatric population

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the indications for and results of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for the treatment of ocular disease in pediatric patients at a single institution.

Methods: The medical records of patients <18 years of age who underwent AMT for ocular disease between January 1, 2003, and September 1, 2015, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were determined to have reached a clinical endpoint if there was resolution of the ocular condition being treated after AMT placement, no additional surgery required for treatment of the ocular condition, and no active disease at most recent follow-up.

Results: A total of 48 records were reviewed. Of these, 32 patients (67%) received AMT for treatment of ocular disease related to Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), 29 (94%) of whom reached the clinical endpoint. The remaining 16 patients (33%) underwent AMT for indications other than SJS, including difficult-to-treat corneal epithelial defects and ulcers, conjunctival reconstruction, and scarring after strabismus surgery. Of these, 80% reached the clinical endpoint. There were no adverse effects related to AMT in either group.

Conclusions: In our series, AMT was used successfully and without complications.