Comparing tolerability and outcomes of cryopreserved and dehydrated amniotic membrane transplantations in the management of corneal disease.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of dehydrated versus cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal disease. Methods: Clinical data from 56 patients were analyzed retrospectively, including indications for treatment, number of amniotic membrane transplant (AMT) interventions, duration of therapy, use of adjunct medications, visual outcomes, and transplant tolerability. To analyze patient transplant tolerability, medical records were reviewed for relevant keywords at 1 week and 1 month after implantation. Results: A total of 71 AMTs of 56 patients were included. At both follow-up intervals, patients who received a cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplant (CAMT) reported more side effects than did patients who received a dehydrated amniotic membrane transplant (DAMT). Those in the CAMT group also reported greater improvement in vision and a greater feeling of wellness at both intervals compared with patients in the DAMT group. Patients in the DAMT were less likely to require repeat treatments and achieved a higher percent resolution of the primary indication. Conclusions: In our study cohort, cryopreserved amniotic membranes appear to provide greater patient satisfaction, whereas dehydrated membranes appear to provide better clinical outcomes, with less need for repeat treatment. Because of limitations in stratifying disease severity, it cannot be concluded without a prospective cohort trial that the need for repeat treatment is not due to more severe disease in the cryopreserved group.