Autologous fibrin membrane combined with solid platelet-rich plasma in the management of perforated corneal ulcers: a pilot study.

IMPORTANCE

The combined use of autologous fibrin membrane and the eye platelet-rich plasma (E-PRP) clot could be considered as a new surgical alternative for the closure of corneal perforations.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of autologous solid platelet-rich plasma in combination with an autologous fibrin membrane as a surgical alternative for wound closure in perforated corneal ulcers.

DESIGN

Both the fibrin membrane and the E-PRP clot were prepared with the patient's own blood just before the operation. Nylon stitches were used to fixate the fibrin membrane to the conjunctiva and then the E-PRP clot was placed over the corneal perforation, underneath the fibrin membrane. A temporal partial tarsorrhaphy was performed at the end of the procedure. We conducted postoperative monitoring for 3 months. SETTING Vissum Corporacion Oftalmologica, Alicante, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven patients with perforated corneal ulcers.

INTERVENTION: Surgical alternative for the closure of corneal perforation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Corneal biomicroscopy, fluorescein test, digital tonometry.

RESULTS

In all cases the corneal perforation was sealed. The fibrin membrane was present over the corneal surface for the first 3 to 5 days and then gradually disappeared. No evidence of infection or inflammation was detected. Digital tonometry confirmed acceptable levels of ocular tonus in all cases from day 2 after the operation. No patients reported pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, and no complications were observed. After 3 months' follow-up, there was no evidence of relapses or perforations. Corneal grafting was eventually performed in 7 of the 11 cases.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The combined use of autologous fibrin membrane and E-PRP clot is a safe and effective surgical alternative for the closure of corneal perforations. This technique can be considered as a temporary measure until the condition of the cornea permits definite intervention.