Retrospective analysis of results of full-thickness corneal grafts after infectious keratitis treated in P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital between 2016 and 2020

Analyse the results of full-thickness corneal grafts in patients with and without systemic antibacterial treatment, that were performed after infectious keratitis in P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital from 2016 to 2020. Retrospective case summary analysis and interpretation of case history from 2016-2020. During this period 117 full-thickness corneal grafts were performed. In 24 cases the main cause was infectious keratitis. The most common cause of infections were bacteria (Streptococcus Epidermidis - 3, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - 2) and single-cell organisms (Acanthamoeba spp – 5), followed by fungal infections (Candida Albicans – 2, Aspergillus spp – 2) and viral infections (Herpes spp. - 3). 13 Patients received systemic antibiotics before and after corneal transplantation and 11 patients received only topical antibiotics. All the patients were treated with topical antimicrobial treatment before receiving the graft. We analysed conjunctival injection, swelling and inflammation after surgery. In the group treated with systemic antibiotics conjunctival redness was 11 ( +/- 7 ) days after surgery, but in the group with only topical antibiotics – 21 days (+/- 8 ) days after surgery. One patient had a fungal Acremonium spp keratitis which resulted in a full-thickness graft. 6 months after the operation the patient was hospitalised with a rare bacterial Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia keratitis which led to reoperation. Subsequent and immediate antimicrobial systemic treatment either for viruses or bacteria can lead to good results when treating infectious keratitis. Corneal grafts are the last resort treatment for patients suffering from corneal lesions.