Comparison of Chen Medium and Optisol-GS for human corneal preservation at 4°C -: Results of transplantation

Purpose. To compare results after transplantation of donor corneas stored in Chen Medium (containing beta -hydroxybutyrate without sodium bicarbonate or chondroitin sulfate) to corneas stored in Optisol-GS medium (containing sodium bicarbonate and 2.5% chondroitin sulfate). Methods. We performed 32 consecutive penetrating keratoplasties with donor corneas stored at 4 degreesC in either Chen Medium or Optisol-GS by random assignment. Corneal thickness measurements were made at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, 2 months, and I year postkeratoplasty. Specular microscopic images of the donor endothelium were obtained at the beginning of storage and 2 months and I year postkeratoplasty. The percentage of intact epithelium I day after keratoplasty and the graft epithelialization time were estimated by the surgeons. Donor rim cultures were performed. Results. No statistically significant differences in corneal thickness or endothelial cell loss between the corneas stored in the two media were found at any time, although differences of less than 12% cell loss or 0.09-mm thickness at 2 months: or less than 25% cell loss or 0.10-mm thickness at I year could not be excluded with 90% certainty in this small series. The mean percentages of intact graft epithelium on day 1, 64% for Chen Medium and 65% for Optisol-GS, were not significantly different. Endothelial cell density 2 months postkeratoplasty was significantly decreased for corneas stored in both media. Endothelial cell loss at 2 months was directly correlated with storage time in both media. Conclusions. After keratoplasty, no statistically significant differences in corneal thickness, epithelial survival, and endothelial cell loss were found between corneas stored in Chen Medium and Optisol-GS. Endothelial cell loss at 2 months was significantly correlated with storage time in both media.