Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane Use In Corneal Defects

Corneal defects  constitute a turning point decisive in the management of cornealpathologies. From epithelial defects to frank perforation, it does often compromises the prognosis of these patients. Autologous serum (AS) has been shown to be effective in several ocular surface disorders. More recently, the use of autologous platelet-rich membranes has been promoted for treatment of different ocular surface diseases with a good outcome and a less cost compared to other techniques , such us amniotic membranes.

Ophthalmology departement, Mohammed VI university hospital, Oujda , Morocco

We report the findings and results observed after transplants of platelet-rich solid membrane in 7 patients who presented with persistent corneal defects. These are initial results of an ongoin study.

All 7 eyes benefited from platelet-rich membrane grafting . The average dissolution time of the fibrin membrane was very variable. in half of the cases, a second transplant was possible. At least partial improvement was observed in all of the patients with 1/3 having obtained a total cure and among whom one patient who had a preperforation (figure). The improvement of visual acuity was obtained in approximately half of the cases. The protocol preparation of this membrane is simplified and has been described.

PRP has been used clinically in other medical fields specialties for over a decade, such as oral care and maxillofacial surgery, reconstructive surgery, orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery and plastic surgery. The use of the solid membrane, rich in platelets, is proving increasingly promising for several reasons. First, its easy character to prepare and inexpensive. Then, its ease of use and reproduction. Finally, its stickiness makes it possible to deliver the factors of continuous epithelial growth. This study remains an outline of a study on a larger scale to assess the extent and indications of this technique.