Platelet lysate promotes re-epithelialization of persistent epithelial defects: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Persistent corneal epithelial defects (PED) pose a significant clinical challenge.
• Current treatments for PED have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous platelet lysate (APL) in a standardized preparation for treating PED.
• To determine the healing rates and timeframes associated with APL therapy for PED.

Main Methods:

• A prospective pilot study involving ten patients with PED of at least 14 days duration.
• Standardized preparation of APL using repeated freeze-thaw cycles for platelet lysis.
• Patients administered APL eye drops four times daily, with follow-up evaluations at regular intervals up to 28 days.

Main Results:

• No adverse events were reported with the use of undiluted APL.
• Complete re-epithelialization was achieved in 70% of patients within 28 days.
• Of the successfully treated patients, 40% healed within 14 days and an additional 30% healed within 28 days.

Conclusions:

• Standardized autologous platelet lysate is a safe adjunctive therapy for persistent corneal epithelial defects.
• APL demonstrates significant efficacy in promoting corneal healing in patients with PED.
• This approach offers a promising, standardized treatment option for refractory corneal conditions.