Recurrence and rejection rates following corneal transplantation for herpes simplex keratitis

摘要

ABSTRACTSeventy‐two penetrating primary keratoplasties for herpes simplex keratitis performed from 1970 to 1993 were reviewed. Postoperative follow‐up periods ranged from 6 months to 16 years with 2 years median. Epithelial herpetic recurrence occurred in 25 of the transplants the first year and in 44 during the first 2 years. Primary allograft rejection was observed in 29 of the grafts the first year and in 46 during the first 2 years. Preoperative inflammation was a risk factor for preservation of a clear cornea (p<0.10). The degree of corneal vascularization prior to operation did not influence the survival of the grafts. The overall one‐year survival rate of a clear graft was 84 and the 2‐year survival rate was 67. Prophylactic antiviral treatment is di