The trial evaluates the effect of corneal crosslinking as pre-treatment before corneal transplantation. The goal is to improve graft survival by reducing pathological vessels through pre-treatment.
Multicenter, two armed, controlled, open randomised parallel-group study to evaluate the effect of corneal crosslinking as pre-treatment vs. no pre-treatment ahead of full-thickness penetrating corneal transplantation. After screening of inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible subjects will be included after obtaining informed consent. Randomisation will be performed at a 5:4 ratio. (Protocol V04\_0 Page 37) At the baseline assessment, a slit lamp examination and photo documentation as well as LaserFlareCellMeter (if available), corneal tomography, and Slit lamp Adapted Optical Coherence Tomography (SL-OCT) measurements will be performed. In addition, visual acuity and a vision-related quality of life will be assessed. Concomitant medication will be documented. Macula OCT will be performed if deemed necessary. In the intervention arm, the study intervention (CXL) will then be administered to reduce CoNV 10-8 weeks prior to corneal transplantation. Two weeks after CXL a control will be performed including AE documentation, slit lamp examination, SL-OCT, corneal tomography, visual acuity and photo documentation. The study intervention will be repeated once if insufficient (less than 50%) reduction of CoNV should be observed (4 weeks prior to corneal transplantation at the latest). All subjects in the intervention arm will then undergo for corneal transplantation. In the control arm, subjects will be directly scheduled for corneal transplantation. Corneal transplantation will be performed as standard full-thickness penetrating procedure, and the graft (6.5 - 8.25 mm 7.75 mm in diameter) will be secured with 16-24 interrupted single or double running 10-0 nylon single sutures (decision by the surgeon). Postoperatively, follow-up assessments will be performed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months for all subjects (postoperative visits at these time points are standard of care). A slit lamp examination, concomitant medication, AE and photo documentation as well as LaserFlareCellMeter (if available), corneal tomography, SL-OCT, and corneal endothelial cell count measurements will be performed. In addition, visual acuity and a vision-related quality of life will be assessed. Macula OCT will be performed if deemed necessary. If a subject has any complaints, he or she can contact the responsible trial site at any time. After consultation with the investigator, additional visits can be scheduled. (Protocol V04\_0 Page 50)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
110
Riboflavin isotonic, 0,1 % Vitamin B2, with Dextran 20,0%, for epi-off procedure or Riboflavin isotonic 0,1% (Vitamin B2), 1,1% HPMC without Dextran for epi-off) 0.1% riboflavin-5-phosphate and 20% dextran T-500) will be applied to the cornea after epithelial debridement every 2 min for 10 minutes before irradiation and every 2 minutes during the course of a 10 minute exposure to 365 nm UV-A with an irradiance rate of 9 mW/cm2. This dose, mode and scheme of the intervention follows the internationally recognized "accelerated CXL protocol" (Elbaz et al. 2014). The data existing shows equivalent outcome regarding efficacy and safety compared to the standard protocol. To avoid any damage to the limbal stem cells, the limbus will not be irradiated during the procedure, as a CXL device (with maximal diameter of 11 mm) will be used. Furthermore, the limbal area will additionally be protected by a custom-cut LSC protection shield. (Protocol V04\_0 Page 45-46)
Augenklinik des Klinikums der Universität München
München, Bavaria, Germany
RECRUITINGUniversity Hospital of Cologne, Centre for Ophthalmology
Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
RECRUITINGFirst episode of endothelial graft rejection
Endothelial graft rejection episode is defined by at least 2 of the following criteria: new endothelial precipitates, new anterior chamber cells/flare, new focal or diffuse edema of the graft. All signs will be analyzed by slit lamp examination, on standardized digital slit lamp pictures, by LaserFlareCellMeter (if available), SL-OCT and corneal tomography. (Protocol V04\_0 Page 48)
Time frame: within 24 months after transplantation
Regression of CoNV
Assessed by morphometrical analysis of the corneal area covered by CoNV prior to and 2-4 weeks after each CXL, prior to transplantation and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months using digital standardized slit lamp images and an independent reading center (CORIC). Note: the corneal area covered by CoNV will also be measured in control patients (not receiving angioregressive CXL) at all visits to determine the natural course of CoNV. (Protocol V04\_0 Page 48)
Time frame: prior to and 2-4 weeks after each CXL, prior to transplantation and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months
Regression of CoNV
Number of CXL procedures needed for \>50% regression of CoNV
Time frame: before transplantation
Recurrence of CoNV
After CXL and after transplantation
Time frame: after CXL and 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after transplantation
Overall functional graft survival rate
Functional survival of graft will be assessed at every follow-up visit after transplantation clinically and using digital slit lamp pictures, SL-OCT and corneal tomography (for graft thickness) as well as endothelial cell counts
Time frame: 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after transplantation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Klinik für Augenheilkunde
Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Klinik für Augenheilkunde
Homburg, Saarland, Germany
RECRUITINGCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Augenheilkunde
Berlin, Germany
RECRUITINGUniversitätsklinikum Freiburg, Klinik für Augenheilkunde
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
RECRUITINGKlinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde - Universitätsmedizin Rostock
Rostock, Germany
RECRUITINGAbsence of rejection-related graft failure
Rejection-related graft failure assessed at every follow-up visit after transplantation and defined according to the respective criteria for graft rejection and associated graft failure
Time frame: 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after transplantation
Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)
Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the study eye and BCVA or spectacle corrected visual acuity in the partner eye: assessed at the following time-points: prior to CXL, at control visit after CXL, prior to transplantation and after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months using ETDRS charts (logMAR transformed).
Time frame: Prior to CXL, prior to transplantation and after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months
Vision-related quality of life
Overall composite score measured using the NEI-VFQ25 at the following time-points
Time frame: Prior to CXL, prior to transplantation and after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months
Active infectious keratitis or corneal ulceration
Clinical assessment by slit lamp examination
Time frame: every study visit
Graft dehiscence
Graft dehiscence with leakage of aqueous humor from the graft/host interface, assessed by slit lamp examination
Time frame: 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after transplantation
Delayed epithelial wound healing
assessed by slit lamp examination
Time frame: 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after transplantation