Platelet-rich plasma: how safe is it, and can it cause irreversible blindness?

In 1952, Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini discovered growth factors, and this research opened the door for platelet-rich plasma (PRP). They were awarded a Nobel Prize for their work in 1986 (Santos et al, 2010). Furthermore, Cohen went on to discover epidermal growth factor (EGF) in 1962, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in 1974 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 1989.

According to Hurjui et al (2020), the term ‘PRP’ was first used by Kingsley et al (1954) to refer to the standard platelet concentrate for transfusion (Mościcka and Przylipiak, 2021). Matras (1972) used platelets for the first time as a sealant to establish blood homeostasis during surgical procedures and Oon and Hobbs (1975) were the first scientists to use PRP in reconstructive treatments (Mościcka and Przylipiak, 2021). Furthermore, Knighton et al (1986) were the first to describe platelet concentrate protocols and referred to them as autologous platelet-derived wound healing factors (PDWHF) (Mościcka and Przylipiak, 2021). Later, Ferrari et al (1987) used PRP in heart surgery as an autologous source of transfusion, thus reducing intraoperative blood loss. Since the 1980s, PRP has been widely used in regenerative medicine. Further development in the application of PRP in dentistry occurred after Choukroun et al (2006) discovered platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which is a type of platelet concentrate that does not use the addition of anticoagulants.