Article Text
Abstract
Background: To describe the underlying molecular genetic basis, surgical management and phenotypic variation of Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) identified in a 4-generation Chinese family.
Methods: Interventional Case Series. Thirteen members from a non-consanguineous Chinese family.All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and Slit-lamp photography. Subsequent corneal transplantations were performed (n=3). Blood samples were taken for DNA extraction and subsequent genetic analysis.
Results: Genotyping indicated linkage to the locus at chromosome 1p36. Screening of the UBIAD1 gene identified a highly conserved mutation, Ser171Pro. Phenotypic variation in this large pedigree is similar to that seen in caucasian patients. Surgical management of patients with anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty showed good visual outcomes.
Conclusions: We describe the S171P mutation for the first time in a Chinese family. This is the largest non-caucasian pedigree described with SCD. Visual rehabilitation may be performed successfully with lamellar surgical procedures as opposed to full thickness corneal grafts.