| Titel | Crosslinking for keratoconus in Down syndrome | 
| Abstract Nr. | 348 | 
| Doel | To report on 2 cases of Down syndrome with progressive keratoconus who underwent bilateral simultaneous crosslinking therapy. | 
| Methodes | Two male Down syndrome patients of 17 and 20 years old, were diagnosed with progressive keratoconus. Crosslinking therapy was performed to stabilize the cone: after removing the epithelium, application of riboflavin 0,1% solution was performed followed by ultraviolet-A 365 nm light exposure for 30 minutes under general anesthesia. | 
| Resultaten | In the 20 year-old patient both eyes were instilled with hypoosmolar riboflavin solution to achieve swelling of the cornea because of thin corneas on pachymetry. Only one eye was exposed to UV-A light because of the lack of swelling and pachymetry of less than 300µ of the other cornea. Follow-up time was 6 months. Stabilisation in the treated eye could be shown for a follow up period of more than one year. In the other patient standard crosslinking was performed in both eyes. Two days post-crosslinking a corneal ulcus was found in the right eye and intensive antibiotic treatment was applied. A temporary tarsoraphy was necessary because of uncontrollable rubbing of the eye; the patient had to be sedated to allow for examination and treatment of the ulcer. After 4 months of follow-up a paracentral scar persists, while the other eye healed uneventfully.  | 
| Conclusie | Keratoconus has been found to be frequently associated with Down syndrome. Progressive keratoconus in patients with Down syndrome can be a good indication for crosslinking to avoid corneal transplant. However follow up and treatment of these patients can be more challenging as the ability to co-operate can vary very much for individuals with Down syndrome.  | 
| Naam | LEYSEN | 
| Initialen | I | 
| Instituut | UZA | 
| Stad | Antwerp | 
| Naam | KOPPEN | 
| Initialen | C | 
| Instituut | UZA | 
| Stad | Antwerp | 
| Naam | DE VEUSTER | 
| Initialen | I | 
| Instituut | UZA | 
| Stad | Antwerp | 
| Naam | TASSIGNON | 
| Initialen | MJ | 
| Instituut | UZA | 
| Stad | Antwerp |