The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of HLA-DRB1 (Human Leukocyte Antigens)
matching in corneal transplantation. Fifty-two patients were observed. Low-risk
group consisted of 28 patients and high-risk group consisted of 24 patients. All the patients
and donors were tissue typed with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on the HLADRB1
gen. The primary corneal disease preceding keratoplasty was keratopathia (15),
leucoma (10), keratoconus (7), Re-KPP (6), impending perforation (4), combustio corneae
(3), degenerative disorders (2), keratoglobus (1), keratouveitis (1), corneal maculae
(1), and corneal melting syndrome (1). The graft rejection frequency was higher in the
group of high-risk patients (29%) than in the group of low risk patients (7.1%). The rejection
rate of compatible grafts was 37% for high risk and 2% for low risk group, while
the rejection rate of incompatible was 44% in high risk and 5% in low risk group.We can
conclude that HLA-DRB1 matching does not improve corneal graft survival
