Pediatric Keratoplasty In A Tunisian Referral Center: Demographic Analysis, Indications, And Clinical Outcomes

To describe demographic data, indications and clinical outcomes of pediatric penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in a Tunisian referral center.

Department B of Ophthalmology, Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology, Tunis, Tunisia

Case records of PKP were reviewed retrospectively, and parameters noted demographic profile, indication of surgery, graft outcome and complications.

A total of 66 pediatric penetrating keratoplasty procedures were performed on 64 eyes of 59 patients constituting 7.94% of the total number of PKP cases. The mean age at the time of surgery was 9.18 years (range: 4 months to12 years). Keratoconus was the most common indication for PKP, accounting for 21 cases (31.81%), followed by infectious keratitis in 15 cases (22.72%), trauma in 12 cases (18.18%), and congenital corneal opacity in 15 cases (22.72%). Postoperative complications included graft rejection in 17 cases, epithelial defect in 8 cases, corneal ulcer in 17 cases, glaucoma in 2 cases, ocular trauma in 12 cases, and esotropia in 4 cases.

Pediatric corneal transplantation can be indicated in congenital and acquired conditions. Our findings support the existing data regarding pediatric keratoplasty. More workup and efforts are necessary to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative care for children who require keratoplasty.