BILATERAL EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE FORMATION AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF AUTOLOGOUS MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS
Megan A Kasetty1, Thomas R Hedges, Andre J Witkin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|June 23, 2020
Summary
Bone marrow-derived stem cell injections for optic atrophy may cause new epiretinal membranes and vitreous cells. Further research is needed to understand potential risks of this emerging stem cell therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (OPA1) is a progressive optic nerve disease.
- Stem cell therapy is being explored for retinal and optic nerve conditions.
- Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) are being investigated for therapeutic potential.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male with OPA1 received bilateral intravitreal and sub-Tenon's injections of BMSCs.
- The patient self-enrolled in a clinical trial for stem cell therapy.
- Simultaneous bilateral administration of BMSCs was performed.
Findings:
- Within one month, the patient developed bilateral epiretinal membranes.
- Vitreous cells were also observed in both eyes post-injection.
- Optical coherence tomography confirmed these ocular findings.
Implications:
- BMSC therapy may lead to unintended ocular complications, such as epiretinal membranes.
- The mechanism of action and potential risks of BMSCs in ocular applications require further investigation.
- Understanding unintended cell differentiation is crucial for the safe application of stem cell therapy in ophthalmology.
