Publication
Title
Belgian Endothelial Surgical Transplant of the Cornea (BEST cornea) protocol : clinical and patient-reported outcomes of Ultra-Thin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) versus Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) - a multicentric, randomised, parallel group pragmatic trial in corneal endothelial decompensation
Author
Institution/Organisation
BEST Cornea Consortium
Abstract
Objectives Corneal blindness is the third most frequent cause of blindness globally. Damage to the corneal endothelium is a leading indication for corneal transplantation, which is typically performed by lamellar endothelial keratoplasty. There are two conventional surgical techniques: Ultra-Thin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). The purpose of this study is to compare both techniques. Methods and analysis The trial compares UT-DSAEK and DMEK in terms of clinical and patient reported outcomes using a pragmatic, parallel, multicentric, randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation with a sample size of 220 participants across 11 surgical centres. The primary outcome is the change in best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include corrected and uncorrected vision, refraction, proportion of high vision, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and VFQ25), endothelial cell counts and corneal thickness at 3, 6 and 12months follow-up appointments. Adverse events will also be compared 12months postoperatively. Ethics and dissemination The protocol was reviewed by ethical committees of 11 participating centres with the sponsor centre issuing the final definitive approval. The results will be disseminated at clinical conferences, by patient partner groups and open access in peer-reviewed journals. Governance of the trial Both, trial management group and trial steering committee, are installed with representatives of all stakeholders involved including surgeons, corneal bankers, patients and external experts.
Language
English
Source (journal)
BMJ open. - London, 2011, currens
Publication
London : BMJ Group , 2023
ISSN
2044-6055
DOI
10.1136/BMJOPEN-2023-072333
Volume/pages
13 :9 (2023) , p. 1-10
Article Reference
e072333
ISI
001156438900001
Pubmed ID
37714670
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.03.2024
Last edited 25.04.2024
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