Management of Retinitis Pigmentosa via Platelet-Rich Plasma or Combination with Electromagnetic Stimulation: Retrospective Analysis of 1-Year Results

Arslan U., ÖZMERT E.

ADVANCES IN THERAPY, vol.37, no.5, pp.2390-2412, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12325-020-01308-y
  • Journal Name: ADVANCES IN THERAPY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.2390-2412
  • Keywords: Electromagnetic stimulation, Growth factors, Iontophoresis, Magnovision, Ophthalmology, Platelet-rich plasma, Retinitis pigmentosa, GROWTH-FACTORS, EPITHELIUM, SURVIVAL, CELLS, ROD
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose To investigate whether the natural progression rate of retinitis pigmentosa can be decreased by subtenon autologous platelet-rich plasma application alone or combination with retinal electromagnetic stimulation. Methods The study includes retrospective analysis of 60 patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Patients constitute three groups with similar demographic characteristics: the combined management group (group 1) consists of 20 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (40 eyes) who received combined retinal electromagnetic stimulation and subtenon platelet-rich plasma; the subtenon platelet-rich plasma-only group (group 2) consisted of 20 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (40 eyes); the natural course (control) group (group 3) consists of 20 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (40 eyes) who did not receive any treatment. Horizontal and vertical ellipsoid zone width, fundus perimetry deviation index, and best corrected visual acuity changes were compared within and between groups after a 1-year follow-up period. Results Detected horizontal ellipsoid zone percentage changes were + 1% in group 1, - 2.85% in group 2, and - 9.36% in group 3 (Delta p 1 > 2 > 3). Detected vertical ellipsoid zone percentage changes were + 0.34% in group 1, - 3.05% in group 2, and - 9.09% in group 3 (Delta p 1 > 2 > 3). Detected fundus perimetry deviation index percentage changes were + 0.05% in group 1, - 2.68% in group 2, and - 8.78% in group 3 (Delta p 1 > 2 > 3). Conclusion Platelet-rich plasma is a good source of growth factors, but its half-life is 4-6 months. Subtenon autologous platelet-rich plasma might more effectively slow down photoreceptor loss when repeated as booster injections and combined with retinal electromagnetic stimulation.