Understanding how diabetes affects corneal transplant success
Diabetes Endothelial Keratoplasty Study(DEKS): Impact of Diabetes on Corneal Transplant Success and Cell Loss
This project wants to find out if corneas from donors with diabetes work as well for transplants as those from non-diabetic donors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with diabetes are now organ donors, and we need to know if their corneas are suitable for transplantation. This project will compare transplant outcomes using corneas from diabetic and non-diabetic donors to see if diabetes affects how well the transplant works and how long it lasts. We will follow patients who receive these transplants to gather clear information. The goal is to provide clear guidance for eye banks and surgeons, ensuring the best possible care for patients needing corneal transplants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who are scheduled to receive a Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) corneal transplant would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing corneal transplantation or those receiving other types of keratoplasty may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients receiving corneal transplants and provide clear guidelines for using donor corneas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the impact of diabetic donors on corneal transplant success, making this a crucial and definitive investigation.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lass, Jonathan H — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Lass, Jonathan H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.