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Effect of Descemet Membrane Polishing in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne
Summary
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the leading indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of guttae and progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells, leading to corneal edema and visual impairment. Endothelial keratoplasty remains the standard treatment; however, graft shortages have driven the development of cell-based therapies involving the injection of cultured endothelial cells. A key unresolved issue is whether removal of the pathological endothelium prior to injection improves cell adhesion. Clinical data are limited and sometimes contradictory, particularly regarding endothelial polishing. The actual effectiveness of this procedure in removing guttae and enhancing the survival of injected cells remains uncertain. Therefore, an in vivo clinical evaluation is required to assess its impact on guttae removal.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-05-21
Completion Date
2027-03-01
Last Updated
2026-05-26
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Fuchs Polishing
he study will be offered to all patients for whom corneal transplantation for FECD is indicated at participating centers. After verification of the eligibility criteria, the study will be explained and informed consent will be obtained during the inclusion visit. Only one follow-up visit is planned, on the day of surgery. During the procedure, polishing of one half of the pathological endothelium will be performed prior to its removal and replacement with healthy donor endothelium (Fuchs polishing). The excised pathological endothelium will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Locations (5)
CHU de Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, France, France
Hopital de Mercy
Metz, Metz, France
Cochin Hospital
Paris, Paris, France
Hôpital Fondation Rothschild
Paris, Paris, France
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen
Rouen, Rouen, France