Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on persistent corneal epithelial defect after infectious keratitis.

PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) harbors high concentrations of growth factors related to the promotion of wound healing. We evaluated the efficacy of PRP eyedrops in the treatment of persistent epithelial defects (PEDs).

METHODS: Autologous PRP and autologous serum (AS) were prepared from whole blood. The concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vitamin A and fibronectin in the PRP and AS were analyzed and compared. The corneal epithelial healing efficacy of PRP was compared with that of AS in patients with PED induced by post-infectious inflammation.

RESULTS: The concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, EGF, vitamin A and fibronectin in the PRP and AS were not statistically different. However, the concentrations of EGF in the PRP were significantly greater than in the AS. AS was used in 17 and PRP in 11 eyes of 28 patients. The healing rates of the corneal epithelia of the PRP-treated eyes were significantly higher than those treated with AS.

CONCLUSIONS: The PRP was effective in the treatment of PEDs. This may be attributable to its high concentration of platelet-contained growth factors, most notably EGF. PRP could be an effective, novel treatment option for chronic ocular surface disease.