Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Ex vivo expansion of mesenchymal stem cells for management of limbal stem cell deficiency

International Conference on Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgery

May 24-25, 2018 Osaka, Japan

Ayman El-Shiaty, Hala Gabr and Essam Darwish

Cairo University, Egypt

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Clin Exp Ophthalmol

Abstract :

Purpose: An intervention case series demonstrating the use of mesenchymal stem cells ex vivo co-cultured with limbal tissue in the management of limbal stem cell deficiency. Setting/Venue: Kasr ElAini Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Ophthalmology and Clinical Pathology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Methods: Eight eyes of seven patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency were treated with mesenchymal stem cells derived from their own bone marrow. The mesenchymal stem cells had been co-cultured with allolimbal tissue and transplanted to the patient limbus after being carried on an amniotic membrane. Results: The stem cell deficiency was improved initially in all patients. Recurrence of stem cell deficiency occurred by different degrees in three patients. The follow up period ranged from 3 to 22 months. Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation may be helpful in management of limbal stem cell deficiency when sufficient limbal stem cells are not available. ayman_elshiaty@yahoo.com