The role of HLA-DRB1 matching in corneal grafting

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of HLA-DRB1 (Human Leukocyte Antigens) matching in corneal transplantation. Fifty-two patients were obse rved. Low-risk group consisted of 28 patients and high-risk group consisted of 24 patients. All the patients and donors were tissue typed with Polymer ase Chain Reaction (PCR) on the HLA-DRB1 gen. The primary corneal disease p receding keratoplasty was keratopathia (15), leucoma (10), keratoconus (7), Re-KPP (6), impending perforation (4), combustio corneae (3), degenerative disorders (2), keratoglobus (1), keratouveitis (1), corneal maculae (1), a nd corneal melting syndrome (1). The graft rejection frequency was higher i n the group of high-risk patients (29%) than in the group of low risk patie nts (7.1%). The rejection rate of compatible grafts was 37% for high risk a nd 2% for low risk group, while the rejection rate of incompatible was 44% in high risk and 5% in low risk group. We can conclude that HLA-DRB1 matchi ng does not improve corneal graft survival.