Long-term outcomes of treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with macular hole using platelet-rich blood plasma

Abstract

The study analyzed the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) complicated by macular hole (MH) using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and local staining of the internal limiting membrane (ILM). This prospective open-label study included 27 patients (15 females and 12 males) aged 57 to 65 (59.2±7.2) years. In all studied cases, RRD complicated by MH was determined. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before surgery was 0.05±0.01 (from 0.02 to 0.08). The average MH diameter measured with OCT was 576.3±150.4 μm (409 μm to 944 μm). After vitrectomy, a perfluororganic compound (PFOC) was injected into the MH area in amount of 2-3 optic nerve head diameters to prevent the ingress of dye under the retina, then the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was stained and removed. After sequential PFOC/air replacement, PRP was injected into the macular hole site. An increase in BCVA from 0.05±0.01 to 0.09±0.03 was observed in the preoperative period one month after surgery, with a further increase to 0.35±0.11 at the maximum follow-up time (two years). The MH was blocked and a glial scar was present in all cases according to OCT data. 1-2 years after the operation, all patients showed a favorable anatomical effect according to OCT data. According to computer microperimetry data, mean macular photosensitivity was 23.8±1.3 dB two years after the surgery. This study shows a favorable anatomical and functional effect in patients with RRD and MH within a 2-year follow-up. A comparative study involving a larger cohort of patients is required to clarify the indications and contraindications for the use of the studied technique.