Evaluation of the effect of subtenon autologous platelet-rich plasma injections on visual functions in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

ŞAHLI E., Arslan U., ÖZMERT E., Idil A.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, vol.16, no.02, pp.131-143, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16 Issue: 02
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.2217/rme-2020-0075
  • Journal Name: REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.131-143
  • Keywords: growth factor, hereditary retinal dystrophy, platelet-rich plasma, retinitis pigmentosa, visual field
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: The photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) remain in dormant status for a while with a decrease in the growth factors in their microenvironment before apoptosis. Growth factors reduce retinal degeneration and apoptosis in animal models. Materials & methods: The data of 188 eyes of 94 patients who were injected with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the subtenon space three-times every 2 weeks were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Statistically significant improvements in visual acuity, visual field and fixation stability were detected after treatment. When the treatment response of the patients' better-seeing eye compared with the response of the other eye, there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The PRP treatment has a favorable effect on visual functions in patients with RP. This approach is promising as it is safe and easy.