Methodology of easy-to-use horizontally centrifuged platelet-rich fibrin as a topical treatment for equine ulcerative keratitis in 5 horses.

The research investigates a method for treating ulcerative keratitis in horses using a specific topical treatment solution made from platelet-rich fibrin. The study analyzes different applications of the treatment and its effectiveness, also outlining the concentrations of growth factors and cytokines present in the treatment.

Explanation of the Study

• The research focuses on the treatment of equine ulcerative keratitis (EUK), an inflammatory condition affecting the corneas in horses, with horizontally centrifuged platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF). The study describes the most efficient method of using a topical H-PRF treatment that is easy to use.
• Five horses with EUK, three geldings, and two mares, were enrolled in this study over an 11-month period. The main objective for the horse owners was to treat EUK without resorting to surgery.

Methodology

• The researchers employed three different protocols using H-PRF: a solid form of H-PRF sutured to the EUK area, a liquid form used topically, and a combination of both solid and liquid H-PRF. The unused H-PRF was analyzed to determine the concentration of growth factors and cytokines, substances that influence cell behavior like growth and healing.

Findings

• The results showed that three out of the five eyes treated (60%) were healed, showing signs of improved vascularization and granulation tissue. These results were achieved within 34 ± 16 days, with some of the eyes either testing negative for culture growth or positive for Staphylococcus aureus.
• However, the remaining two eyes (40%) showed signs of fungal growth and were perforated, which led to enucleation, a medical term for the removal of the affected eye. In these cases, solid H-PRF showed the highest concentration of growth factors and cytokines, with the exception of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, which were slightly higher in liquid form.
• Additionally, the study found that the use of systemic flunixin meglumine, a type of anti-inflammatory drug, seemed to lower the concentrations of growth factors and cytokines in H-PRF.
• Overall, the combined H-PRF protocol provided the highest concentrations of healing substances, leading to improved healing responses with new vessel formation and granulation tissue.

Recommendations for Future Research

• Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that future studies should evaluate the potential impact of fungal infections and the effects of systemic Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) on the healing properties of H-PRF.