Safety and efficacy of eye drops from umbilical cord blood platelet lysate to treat resistant corneal ulcer

Abstract Background: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a novel treatment of resistant corneal ulcers owing to the unique anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors it contains. Platelet lysates are a potential future alternative. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of human UCB platelet lysate in treating resistant corneal ulcers. Methods: This was prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series involving ۴۰ eyes of patients aged ۶ – ۶۵ years with persistent corneal ulcers from the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center and Mansoura Research Center for Cord Stem Cells. Patients were classified according to the cause of persistent corneal ulcer into four groups: group I, including ۱۴ eyes with dry eye disease; group II, including six eyes post-keratoplasty; group III, including four eyes with corneal chemical burn; and group IV, including ۱۶ eyes with persistent corneal ulcer from other causes. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations, and baseline and final best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) were recorded. Eye drops were prepared from UCB platelet lysate and administered to all patients along with detailed meticulous instructions for the method of use. Clinical progression of wound healing was continuously observed. The treatment response was identified as complete healing, improvement, or treatment failure. Results: BCDVA improved significantly in all studied groups (all P < ۰.۰۵). In group I, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in ۷۱%, ۲۹%, and ۰% of cases. In group II, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in ۶۷%, ۳۳%, and ۰% of cases. In group III, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in ۵۰%, ۵۰%, and ۰% of cases. In group IV, complete healing, improvement, and treatment failure occurred in ۶۳%, ۱۲%, and ۲۵% of cases. No adverse events associated with the treatment were observed or subjectively self-reports in the study period. Conclusions: Eye drops from UCB platelet lysate were a novel therapeutic blood component with unique growth factors and anti-inflammatory compounds that could be an effective and safe treatment option in managing persistent corneal ulcers of different causes. A future randomized clinical trial with a large sample size and a longer follow-up is required to confirm these preliminary outcomes.