A study of conjunctival impression cytology in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its relationship with Ocular Graft versus Host Disease

Significant alterations in the ocular surface were noted in those who had chronic oGVHD and had undergone allo-HSCT. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, corneal involvement severity, and Schirmer I test results are key indicators of ocular involvement following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The most notable abnormalities observed in the conjunctival impression cytology of eyes with oGVHD include squamous cell metaplasia and reduced goblet cell density, with lesser changes noted in eyes without oGVHD. Therefore, conjunctival impression cytology is advisable for patients who have received allogeneic HSCT to facilitate the early diagnosis of oGVHD.