Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of dormant corneal ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the potential role of autologous platelet-rich plasma in promoting healing in dormant corneal ulcers.


METHODS
Prospective, consecutive, interventional, noncomparative, nonrandomized, observational study.


METHODS
Forty eyes of 38 patients with dormant corneal ulcers.


METHODS
Autologous platelet-rich plasma was used in a total of 40 eyes with dormant corneal ulcers divided into 2 groups: group I, 26 eyes treated with topical eyedrops of autologous platelet-rich plasma (12 neurotrophic, 9 herpetic, and 5 immunological ulcers), and group II, 14 eyes treated surgically with a solid clot of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with amniotic membrane transplantation in perforated corneas or with impending perforation. The treatment was used in patients with chronic nonhealing ulcers (mean, 2 years of evolution) that had been unresponsive to conventional topical therapy. Autologous blood from each patient was obtained by venipuncture, and platelet-rich plasma was prepared from each blood sample without additives.


METHODS
Ulcer size, inflammation, healing, visual acuity, and patient's subjective symptoms.


RESULTS
Autologous platelet-rich plasma promoted healing of ulcers. In group I, 13 eyes healed, 11 eyes improved significantly, and 2 eyes showed no change. In group II, 10 eyes healed and 4 eyes improved significantly. Inflammation and subjective symptoms, particularly pain, improved in all patients. Vision remained stable or improved in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Autologous platelet-rich plasma promoted healing of dormant corneal ulcers even in eyes threatened by corneal perforation and was accompanied by a reduction in pain and inflammation.
Alio
Jorge L
JL
Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, VISSUM, Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. jlalio@vissum.com
Abad
Marta
M
Artola
Alberto
A
Rodriguez-Prats
Jose L
JL
Pastor
Silvia
S
Ruiz-Colecha
Jose
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014785:Vision, Ocular; D014945:Wound Healing