Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this research was to study the overall restoration effect on residual retinal cells through surgically grafted autologous cells onto the surrounding tissue, choroid and retina in order to produce a constant secretion of growth factors (GFs) in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients.Results6 months after surgery, several values were statistically significant in the group with higher RTA. Also patient compliance analysis (PCA) in relation to functional change perception appeared to be very good.MethodsThirty-six eyes of 25 patients (range 64-84 years of age) affected by dry AMD were included in study, and divided in two groups by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT): group A with retinal thickness average (RTA) less than 250 microns (μm) and group B with RTA equal to or more than 250 μm. Adipocytes, adipose-derived stem cells from the stromal-vascular fraction, and platelets from platelet-rich plasma were implanted in the suprachoroidal space. Particularly, the following parameters were evaluated: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for far and near distance, retinal thickness maps, scotopic and photopic electroretinogram (ERG), and microperimetry (MY). All statistical analyses were performed with STATA 14.0 (Collage Station, Texas, USA).ConclusionsThe available set of GFs allowed biological retinal neuroenhancement. After 6 months it improved visual performance (VP), but the increase was better if RTA recorded by OCT was higher, probably in relation to the presence of areas with greater cellularity.
Highlights
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a heterogeneous clinical condition in which retinal degeneration occurs predominantly in the macula and leads to impairment of central visual acuity [1, 2]
To curb the worsening of retinal dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), we considered employing two important elements: neurotrophic growth factors (GFs) to slow down RPE cells and photoreceptor apoptosis; angiotrophic GFs for therapeutic purposes to improve choroidal flow; the impairment of the latter is belived to be one of the pathogenetic factors of AMD
Prior to cell autograft with Limoli Retinal Restoration Technique (LRRT), values of retinal thickness average (RTA) and all components of ERG were recorded at time 0 (T0)
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a heterogeneous clinical condition in which retinal degeneration occurs predominantly in the macula and leads to impairment of central visual acuity [1, 2]. AMD, the leading cause of blindness in people aged 55 years or older in developed countries, occurs in two general forms: 1) Wet AMD involving choroidal neovascularization with subsequent bleeding and fluid exudation; 2) Dry AMD, which involves a constellation of clinical features that can include: drusen, pigment clumping, abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and geographic atrophy (GA) [1,2,3]. The latter can begin as a thinning of the RPE and lead subsequently to an atrophic change in the macula with loss of overlying photoreceptors [2,3,4]. The aim of this research was to study the overall restoration effect on residual retinal cells through surgically grafted autologous cells onto the surrounding tissue, choroid and retina in order to produce a constant secretion of growth factors (GFs) in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
