Poland`s first transplant of corneal epithelial stem cells in a child

The patient was Kuba, 10 years old boy whose left eye was burned with slaked lime four years; he lost vision in this eye. The doctors from the Ophthalmology Division of the Zabrze Medical Department with the Medical and Dentistry Division of the Medical University of Silesia gave Kuba and his family hope that help was possible. They applied an innovative therapy with stem cells taken from the healthy eye. The boy has already regained his sight in the damaged eye. For example he can read with this eye.

The transplant was prepared by specialists from Italy cooperating with Polish doctors. "It was cultured on a transparent, non-woven fabric that liquefies after 24 hours, it disappears, and cells remain - they nest on the surface of the eye for the rest of their lives" - Prof. Edward Wylęgała said at a press conference in Katowice.

He noted that in the context of prognosis, such a procedure in a child is a greater unknown than in an adult, but also a huge opportunity. "All therapies where we did not have the opportunity to use stem cells were ineffective in children, so this is absolutely a breakthrough" - he said.

The procedure was carried out on February 20. The first effects were visible after four days, and the final result could be assessed after one month.

"We are very happy. Kuba did not see with this eye for four years, there was no hope, and suddenly he was so fortunate to get into this project, and secondly - to be in the care of such great experts" - said Kuba`s father, Grzegorz Baleński.

"We are proud that Kuba paved the way. Thanks to him, other children in Poland could also benefit from this method" - he added.

He said that Kuba`s dream was to go back to school and play with his friends; until now he had to be home-schooled because of his health. "You could say that he returns to a normal life. His father asked me when he would be able to go back to school. In principle, there are no objections; previously he had huge problems due to photophobia" - said Dr. Dariusz Dobrowolski.

He added that he had known Kuba for 4 years. "Remembering the situation when he came for the first time, I should say that I did not hope for such a good result" - admitted the ophthalmologist.

The District Railway Hospital in Katowice that houses the clinical unit of the Medical University of Silesia ophthalmology is the only place in this part of Europe where patients can benefit from the latest stem cell therapy. (PAP)

Author: Anna Gumułka

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