Injection of Wharton"�s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into the Subtenon Space in a Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient: A Case Report on Safety and Visual Outcomes

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Published Dec 31, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i12.7171

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Main Article Content

Qi Zhe Ngoo, MD, MMED(Ophthalmology)
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nor Shahidah Khairullah, FRCPath
23 Century International Life Science Centre, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
Angelina Tiah, MD(MedSci)
23 Century International Life Science Centre, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy which involves the progressive degeneration and dysfunction of the retina. It affects 1 in 4000 individuals worldwide. The clinical manifestation of retinitis pigmentosa often begins with night blindness, constriction of peripheral visual field with variable visual acuity and eventually total blindness. Despite the significant impact on the patient"s quality of life, there is no definitive cure for retinitis pigmentosa currently. Hence, it is necessary to explore innovative treatment that can preserve and slow down the programmed cell death of photoreceptors to delay visual deterioration and improve functional status of retinitis pigmentosa patients.


This case report describes a 36 years old Chinese gentleman was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa for more than 25 years. He has no other medical illnesses or family history of retinitis pigmentosa and suffered from bilateral severe vision loss starting the age of 4 that has severely impacted his daily living activities.


Methods: The patient has received a total of 4 sessions of Wharton"s Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells implanted in the subtenon space. The injection interval was 2 months for the first three injections and 5months for the fourth injection.


Results: Following four subtenon injections of Wharton"s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) over 10 months, the patient demonstrated improved visual function from light perception to hand motion with better light projection and shape recognition. OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY showed increased central foveal thickness, partial reappearance of the ellipsoid zone, and preservation of macular architecture, while fundus photographs revealed stabilization of retinal changes without further pigment migration or vascular attenuation. No treatment-related complications were observed throughout the follow-up period.


Conclusion: Subtenon Wharton"s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells therapy was safe and associated with structural stabilization and functional improvement in advanced retinitis pigmentosa. These findings support its potential as a regenerative and neuroprotective therapeutic option, warranting further controlled studies.

Keywords: Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs), retinitis pigmentosa, subtenon implantation, ophthalmology

Article Details

How to Cite
NGOO, Qi Zhe; KHAIRULLAH, Nor Shahidah; TIAH, Angelina. Injection of Wharton"s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into the Subtenon Space in a Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient: A Case Report on Safety and Visual Outcomes. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 12, dec. 2025. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/7171>. Date accessed: 02 jan. 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i12.7171.
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Issue
Vol 13 No 12 (2025): Vol.13 Issue 12 December 2025
Section
Case Reports

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