In Vivo Biomarkers Of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Published 2023 - 41st Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO0215 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/ktqv-5x22
Authors: Clémence Bonnet* 1 , Qihua Le 2 , Sophie Deng 3
1Ophthalmology,Cochin Hospital,Paris,France, 2Cornea,Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University,Shangai,China, 3Cornea,Stein Eye Institute,Los Angeles,United States
Purpose
To evaluate in vivo parameters as biomarkers of limbal stem cell function and to establish an objective system to stage limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).
Setting
Monocentric retrospective study
Methods
A total of 172 eyes with LSCD and 99 normal eyes were included. Slit-lamp images, in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM), and AS-OCT were performed to obtain: clinical score, cell morphology (CM) score, basal cell density (BCD), central corneal epithelial thickness (CET), limbal epithelial thickness (LET), nerves parameters including total corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL). Their potential correlations with the severity of LSCD were investigated, and cutoff values were determined.
Results
An increased clinical score correlated with an increase in CM score, a decrease in central cornea BCD, limbal BCD, CET, mean LET, maximum LET, and CNFL. Regression analyses showed that central cornea BCD, CET, and CNFL were the best parameters to differentiate LSCD from normal eyes. A comprehensive LSCD grading formula based on a combination of these parameters was established.
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive staging system to monitor the limbal stem cell function and stage the severity of the disease based on in vivo parameters obtained from AS-OCT and confocal microscopy.