Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the effects of osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOK) in people with corneal opacities who are thought to be unsuitable for corneal transplant because of excessive risk of graft rejection.

Authors' recommendations: The only evidence identified was from one case series and one article with three case reports describing the histology of three prostheses that had been removed. The case reports illustrate possible reaons for graft failure, but do not contribute substantively to evidence for efficacy. Significant flaws in the case series, including possible lack of validity of the reported outcomes and the lack of objective criteria defining patients at increased risk of corneal transplant rejection, make meaningful interpretation of the study impossible. No information was presented on the potential risks of rejection of corneal transplant in the group of patients receiving OOK in the study, making it impossible to compare the outcomes from this procedure with conventional corneal transplant or other management strategies. It is possible that advances in allogeneic transplant techniques have occurred since this series. Controlled trials comparing OOK versus modern allogeneic techniques are needed in well defined patient groups.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Bazian Ltd, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development