Effect of donor illness on endothelial cell number of human corneas

In most clinical centers donor material can not be obtained in necessary amounts. Therefore corneas from long-suffering donors have to be accepted, too. It was the aim of this study to demonstrate the influence of the cause of death on the endothelial cell density of fresh human corneas. The endothelial cell count of 81 donor corneas was determined after preparation of the corneo-scleral disc. For all donors the premortal history was evaluated concerning the cause of death and therapy. In this manner donors were divided into five groups: sudden death, carcinoma, septicemia, renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus. There were no significant differences in endothelial cell count between these five groups. Even chemotherapy and radiatio of the donor had no influence on the cell density. It may be concluded, that clear corneas have a sufficient endothelial cell density and that the cause of death has no influence on this parameter. Therefore also corneas from donors with long-standing diseases may be accepted for transplantation.