Comparison of curative effects of limbal stem cell transplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation combined with mitomycin C for pterygium

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of limbal stem cell transplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation combined with mitomycin C for pterygium.Meth0ds 54 cases (65 eyes) with pterygium were randomly divided into two groups:limbal stem cell transplantation group (35 eyes in 28 cases)and amniotic membrane transplantation group (30 eyes in 26 cases).The recurrent rate and healing time of epithelium in corneal wound were analysed during the fellow-up 6 to 12 months Results One eye with recurrence was noted in the limbal stem cell transplantation group,and the recurrence rate was 2.86%.Seven eyes with recurrence were found in the amniotic membrane transplantation group,and the recurrence rate was 23.33%.There was significantly statistical difference between two groups (x2=4.532,P<0.05).The average healing times of epithelium in corneal wound were 4.67 and 6.48 days in two groups respectively,and the differences were significant (t=5.92, P<0.05).Conclusion Limbal stem cells transplantation, as an ideal uperation,can decrease the recurrence rate of pterygium effectively,and improve the recovering time of epithelium in corneal wound, which is safe and effective. Key words: Pterygium;  Limbal stem cell;  Amniotic membrane;  Transplantation;  Mitomycin C