Efficacy of two different antibiotic solutions in preservation of fresh amniotic membrane

Abstract

Introduction. The amniotic membrane is used in transplant surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology. Various methods have been developed to preserve amniotic membrane: hypothermic storage, cryopreservation, lyophilization. Transplantation of fresh amniotic membrane showed low inflammatory response. The efficient antibiotic solutions are carefully chosen for the hypothermic storage of amniotic membranes. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two antibiotic solutions for the hypothermic amniotic membrane preservation and the structure of the amniotic membrane after the preservation process. Methods. Fifteen amniotic membranes were prepared and hypothermically stored in penicillin solution in BSS (2000 IU/ml) while the remaining fifteen in an antibiotic solution containing: benzylpenicillin (50 µg/ml), gentamicin (100 µg/ml), ciprofloxacin (200 µg/ml) and fluconazole (100 µg/ml). All amniotic membranes were microbiologically tested after preparation and after hypothermic storage for two weeks. Histological analysis of thirty amniotic membranes was performed after the process of preservation. Results. Fifteen amniotic membranes were sterile after hypothermic preservation in the penicillin solution. Also, fifteen amniotic membranes were sterile after hypothermic preservation in the solution of antibacterial agents (penicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin) and antifungal agent fluconazole. The amniotic membrane had a normal structure and thickness of 35.33±11.03 mm. Conclusion. Both antibiotic solutions, one that contains only penicillin and one that contains multiple antibacterial agents and fluconazole, provide sterility of fresh hypothermically stored amniotic membranes for two weeks. In the preparation of fresh hypothermically stored amniotic membrane, a solution with multiple antibiotics is preferred. The normal tissue structure of the amniotic membrane was histologically confirmed after the process of preservation.