Using platelet-rich plasma to treat neurotrophic keratopathy

Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma (APRP) in the Treatment of Neurotrophic Keratopathy

Not applicable Interventional Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon · NCT04604834

This study is testing whether using a special treatment made from your own blood can help people with neurotrophic keratopathy heal their corneas better than just using artificial tears alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment39 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Monterrey, Nuevo León)
Trial IDNCT04604834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP) in treating neurotrophic keratopathy, a condition that impairs corneal sensitivity and healing. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either APRP combined with preservative-free artificial tears (PFAT), APRP alone, or PFAT alone in a crossover design over a total of 12 weeks. The goal is to determine which treatment combination leads to better healing outcomes for the cornea. A thorough ophthalmologic evaluation will be conducted before and during the treatment periods to monitor progress and any adverse effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with neurotrophic keratopathy who have corneal erosions and meet specific inclusion criteria related to their medical history.

Not a fit: Patients with other ocular surface pathologies that cause corneal erosions but do not involve corneal hyposensitivity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve healing and comfort for patients suffering from neurotrophic keratopathy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of platelet-rich plasma in ocular conditions is gaining interest, this specific approach for neurotrophic keratopathy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with:

  * Neurotrophic keratopathy diagnosed by esthesiometry (defined as central corneal sensitivity ≤ 3cm using Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer).
  * Corneal erosions.
  * Neurotrophic keratopathy secondary to: diabetes mellitus, herpetic keratitis, microbial keratitis sequelae (bacteria, Acanthamoeba, fungi, herpes), limbal stem cell deficiency, chemical or thermic burn sequelae at least 3 months after the accident, ocular trauma with penetrating wound fixed at least 3 months before the trial, surgery carried out at least 3 month before the trial (including keratoplasty, laser in situ keratomileusis, phacoemulsification cataract surgery, extracapsular cataract extraction), adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis resolved at least 3 months the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with:

  * Other ocular surface pathology presenting with corneal erosions but without corneal hyposensitivity.
  * Corneal epithelial defect with or without corneal hyposensitivity.
* Pregnant women, homeless, migrants.

Where this trial is running

Monterrey, Nuevo León

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neurotrophic KeratopathyAutologous PRPNeurotrophic keratopathyAutologous platelet-rich plasma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.