FACTORS CAUSING RECURRENCE OF INFECTION IN THE CORNEAL GRAFT AFTER THERAPEUTIC PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY

Aim:-The aim of this study is to analyse the factors causing recurrence of infection in the corneal graft after therapeuticpenetrating keratoplasty.Material and Methods:- This study was conducted at Upgraded Department ofOphthalmology, SVBPH,Meerut. This institution performs 120 keratoplasty procedures per year on an average. Thestudy was conducted for a period of one year & 25 patients had reinfection and those who presented with reinfectionconstituted the sample size complete enumeration.The data thus obtained was compiled and analysed using StatisticalPackage for Social services (SPSS vs 20). The qualitative variables were analyzed by using frequencies and Thequalitative variables were analyzed by using frequencies & percentages & chi square test was used as test ofsignificance.The quantitative variables were presented as measures of central tendency and dispersion. A p value ofless than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant Results Initial fungal etiology was the main risk factor for therecurrence of microbial keratitis after TPK in (24%) of the cases followed by persistent epithelial defects (16%),Initialbacterial etiology (12%), Lid abnormalities (8%) ,contact lens use (8%), Secondary ocular hypertension (8%), priorrejection episodes(8%), initial viral etiology (4%) ,peripheral ulcerative keratitis (8%) & suture related problems(4%).Conclusion:- .This study has shown that Fungal keratitis was the main reason for the initial TPK & initial Fungal aetiologywas the main risk factor for the reinfection after TPK