Evaluation of Hemocomponents in the Treatment of Neurotrophic Ulcers in the Cornea

• Grant number: 23/11802-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Mônica de Cássia Alves
• Grantee: Victor de Souza Antunes
• Host Institution: Hospital de Clínicas (HC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcer is a corneal pathology caused by a deficiency in corneal innervation provided by the ophthalmic branch of the Trigeminal nerve (V1). The lack of proper innervation leads to loss of sensitivity and the ability for epithelial maintenance, renewal, and wound healing, resulting in the development of ulcers. The conventional treatment is based on the use of therapeutic contact lenses (TCL) to protect and lubricate the ocular surface. However, there are currently no specific medical treatments for this condition. Therefore, conducting studies to evaluate new methods, in this case, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is crucial to provide more efficient approaches to the disease. Objectives: The present study aims to apply PRP adhered to TCL in order to compare the effectiveness of both methods in treating neurotrophic corneal ulcers and to conduct research with standardization and regulation, considering its scarcity in the field.Methodology: Patients diagnosed with neurotrophic corneal ulcers at HC/UNICAMP and under ophthalmology care will be divided into two groups. One group will undergo conventional treatment using TCL, while the other group will undergo treatment with TCL and PRP. PRP will be obtained from autologous serum through centrifugation of blood samples. Subsequently, PRP will be adhered to TCL using autologous thrombin.Keywords: Neurotrophic corneal ulcers, platelet-rich plasma, therapeutic contact lenses.