Management of Retinitis Pigmentosa via Platelet Rich Plasma or Combination with Electromagnetic Stimulation: Retrospective Analysis of One-year Results

Abstract Purpose To investigate whether the natural progression rate of retinitis pigmentosa can be decreased with subtenon autologous platelet rich plasma application alone or combination with retinal electromagnetic stimulation.Material and methods The study includes retrospective analysis of 60 retinitis pigmentosa patients. Patients constitute 3 groups with similar demographic characteristics. The combined management group consists of 20 retinitis pigmentosa patients (40 eyes) who received combined retinal electromagnetic stimulation and subtenon platelet rich plasma as Group1; The subtenon platelet rich plasma-only group consisted of 20 retinitis pigmentosa patients (40 eyes) as Group2; The natural course (control) group consists of 20 retinitis pigmentosa patients (40 eyes) who did not receive any treatment were classified as Group3. Horizontal and vertical ellipsoid zone width, fundus perimetry deviation index and best corrected visual acuity changes were compared within and between groups after one year follow up period.Results Horizontal ellipsoid zone percentage changes were detected +1 % in Group1, -2.85% in Group2, -9.36% in Group3 (Δp 1>2>3). Vertical ellipsoid zone percentage changes were detected +0.34 % in Group1, -3.05% in Group2, -9.09% in Group3 (Δp 1>2>3). Fundus perimetry deviation index percentage changes were detected +0.05% in Group1, -2.68% in Group2 and -8.78% in Group3 (Δp 1>2>3). Conclusion Platelet-rich plasma is a good source of growth factors, but its half-life is 4-6 months. Subtenon autologous platelet rich plasma might more effectively slow down photoreceptor loss when repeated as booster injections and combined with retinal electromagnetic stimulation.