A freeze-dried (lyophilized) amniotic membrane transplantation with mitomycin C and trabeculectomy for pediatric glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential usefulness of a freeze-dried (lyophilized) amniotic membrane transplantation with mitomycin C (MMC) in the maintenance of functioning glaucoma surgery in cases of pediatric glaucoma.

METHODS

Thirty eyes of pediatric patients with glaucoma were included in this study. Trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane implantation and MMC was done in group 1 (15 eyes), and trabeculectomy with MMC only was done in group 2 (15 eyes). The preserved amniotic membrane was placed over the scleral flap and under the conjunctiva. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured pre- and postoperatively and bleb appearance was noted. The follow-up time was 18 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean postoperative IOP was significantly decreased to 15 +/- 1 mm Hg and 17.2 +/- 2.9 mm Hg in the 2 groups, respectively. The bleb was functioning well in the follow-up period in most of the cases, except 5 cases that needed another surgery. Complications such as inflammation, choroidal detachment, or toxic keratopathy were not noted in group 1 but were noted in group 2.

CONCLUSION

Trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation and MMC can effectively control the elevated IOP in pediatric patients with glaucoma without significant postoperative complications.