Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of dormant corneal ulcers

Purpose: To investigate the potential role of autologous platelet-rich plasma in promoting healing in dormant corneal ulcers. Design: Prospective, consecutive, interventional, noncomparative, nonrandomized, observational study. Participants: 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 1, 26 eyes treated with topical eyedrops of autologous platelet-rich plasma (12 neurotrophic, 9 herpetic, and 5 immunological ulcers), and group 11, 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. Main Outcome Measures: Ulcer size, inflammation, healing, visual acuity, and patient's subjective symptoms. Conclusion: 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.