[Amniotic membrane transplantation and high-dose systemic cyclosporin A (Sandimmun optoral) for Mooren's ulcer].

BACKGROUND

Mooren's ulcer is a rare, severe corneal autoimmune inflammation leading to blindness if treated insufficiently. High-dose systemic cyclosporin A (Sandimmun optoral) was shown to markedly reduce inflammation and stop corneal destruction. We report on three cases in which this immunosuppressive regimen required additional AM transplantation for complete healing.

PATIENTS: One 37-year-old male (M) and two 49- (F1) and 58-year-old females (F2) presented with unilateral Mooren's ulcer in different stages of the disease, which deteriorated despite high-dose systemic cyclosporin A (Sandimmun optoral M, F1) or treatment with topical cyclosporin A 2 % (F2). After surgical removal of all grossly affected corneal stroma, amniotic membrane was made to cover the entire cornea and fixed with episcleral sutures in two patients (M, F2). In one patient (F1) a deep marginal ulcer was covered with a fitted AM glap. All patients were treated postoperatively up to 6 months with high-dose systemic cyclosporin A (Sandimmun optoral). Blood trough levels aimed at 150 to 200 ng/mL. Topical cyclosporin A was administered in addition in two patients (M, F2) postoperatively for at least 6 months. Due to incompatibility, one patient (F1) was treated with topical steroids instead.

RESULTS

Follow-up time was 42 months (M), 50 months (F1) and 54 months (F2). All three eyes exhibited clinical healing with stable corneal surfaces thereafter. Depending on the stage of Mooren's ulcer at the time of surgery, visual acuity remained at hand motions in one patient (M) and recovered to 1.0 and 0.6, respectively, in two patients (F1, F2).

CONCLUSION

Due to its anti-inflammatory potential, coverage by AM seems to trigger a therapeutic turnaround in cases of Mooren's ulcer which do not heal with intensive immunosuppressive regimens alone. In order to maintain or restore as much visual function as possible, additional amniotic membrane surgery should be performed early enough in the course of the disease.