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. 2001 Aug;85(8):905–907. doi: 10.1136/bjo.85.8.905

Amniotic membrane grafts, "fresh" or frozen? A clinical and in vitro comparison

P Adds 1, C Hunt 1, J Dart 1
PMCID: PMC1724096  PMID: 11466241

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS—The use of "fresh" (hypothermically stored) and frozen amniotic membrane (AM) was compared in a patient with cicatricial pemphigoid with stem cell failure. The viability of both "fresh" and frozen AM epithelial cells was assessed after storage.
METHODS—AM was stored at either +4°C ("fresh") or at −80°C (frozen). A "fresh" graft was applied to the cornea following superficial keratectomy. Subsequently, a further frozen graft was applied to the same eye. Viability of the stored AM epithelium was assessed by investigating membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity.
RESULTS—In both cases the cornea re-epithelialised and visual acuity improved. Improvement, however, was not sustained.
CONCLUSION—Although both procedures led to an improvement in visual acuity, "fresh" tissue performed no better than frozen in promoting re-epithelialisation. The authors suggest that logistical, safety, and cost considerations outweigh any benefits of using "fresh" as opposed to frozen graft material.



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Selected References

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