Use of autologous plasma rich in growth factors fibrin membrane in the surgical management of ocular surface diseases.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgical use of autologous plasma rich in growth factors fibrin membrane (mPRGF) in improving corneal wound healing and regeneration in a variety of complex ocular surface defects.

METHODS

Chart review on 15 eyes of 14 included patients undergoing ocular surface intervention using intraoperative mPRGF at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and at the Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega was performed. Patients were grouped based on type of intervention or condition (penetrating keratoplasty, superficial keratectomy, neurotrophic or persistent corneal ulcers, and corneal perforation). Patients were followed for an average of 11 ± 5 months. Main outcomes measured were mPRGF dissolving time, best-corrected visual acuity, and evidence of any persistent epithelial defects, rejections, or complications.

RESULTS

All 15 eyes underwent successful placement of mPRGF. Average dissolving time for fibrin membrane was 21 ± 3 days. mPRGF resulted in total healing of the corneal defects in 13/15 (86.7%) of the treated eyes and partial healing in 2/15 (13.3%) eyes in which persistent epithelial defects were noted on follow-up. Visual acuity improvement was seen in 9/15 (60%) of the cases.

CONCLUSION

The use of autologous mPRGF in the healing and regeneration of the ocular surface is a secure and efficacious surgical option. Our data demonstrate that PRGF fibrin membrane should be contemplated as an important tool to optimize ocular surface regeneration in complex cases.