Plasma rich in growth factors showed success in macular hole closure

Juan Arias

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The use of plasma rich in growth factors for recurrent macular hole closures in a pilot study showed success in two patients over a 12-month follow up period, according to a speaker here.

“The use of plasma rich in growth factors can lead to anatomical and functional satisfactory results for recurrent macular holes. It could become an optional surgical technique in cases of recurrent macular holes,” Juan Arias, MD, said at the Retina World Congress.

The pilot study included two patients with recurrent macular holes. Primarily investigated for ocular surface diseases, the researchers obtained blood from the two participants and centrifuged both samples for 8 minutes. A supernatant was obtained, rich in hundreds of proteins which may have therapeutic potential. Once activated it can become a delivery system and create a fibrin scaffold enriched in biologically activated molecules, Arias said.

“Plasma rich in growth factors is characterized by moderate platelet concentration, an absence of leukocytes, and the use of calcium chloride for platelet activation,” he said.

A small piece of fibrin was cut and put directly into the macular hole. Drops of the supernatant were placed in the hole for two minutes and then removed, he said.

The two participants were followed for 12-months after the procedure. Each macular hole was closed and remained closed through the entire year-long follow up.

“We obtained good visual results and macular hole closures for both patients at 12 months,” he said.

– by Robert Linnehan

Reference: Arias J. Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PGRF) for Recurrent Macular Hole Closure: A Pilot Study. Presented at: Retina World Congress; March 21 to 24, 2019; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Disclosure: Arias reports no relevant financial disclosures.