Platelet-rich plasma to rescue an ulcerated orbital dermal fat graft

Abstract

Introduction:

Central graft ulceration is a rare complication of an orbital dermal fat graft caused by diminished blood supply to the implant. This study reports on the efficacy and safety of the use of a single subconjunctival injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma to rescue an ulcerated orbital dermal fat graft.

Methods:

Three patients, who had undergone autologous dermal fat graft to treat their anophthalmic socket, were given a 2-mL subconjunctival platelet-rich plasma injection in the exposed graft margins. Demographic and clinical features, treatment protocol, clinical course, complications and follow-up time are reported. In the preoperative examination, all the patients presented a primary epithelial defect of the dermal fat graft.

Results:

There were no major complications such as necrosis or infection. One patient presented a small conjunctival granuloma at 1-month follow up. Mean postoperative follow-up duration was 13 (range: 10–16) months. By 1 month, the chronic epithelial defect had resolved with the graft integrated within the orbital tissues in all cases. All patients were referred for artificial prosthesis placement.

Conclusion:

Although further work is needed, our findings suggest that a single subconjunctival platelet-rich plasma injection could be an effective, safe and economic alternative to surgery to rescue an ulcerated orbital dermal fat graft.