Abstract

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma vs standard management for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer wounds. A systematic literature search up to March 2022 was performed and 1435 subjects with diabetic foot ulcer wounds at the baseline of the studies; 723 of them were treated with platelet-rich plasma, and 712 used control. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated to assess the effect of platelet-rich plasma vs standard management for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer wounds using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model. The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma resulted in significantly higher complete-healed diabetic foot ulcer wounds compared with control (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.49-2.56, P < 0.001). The use of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma resulted in significantly higher complete-healed diabetic foot ulcer wounds compared with control (OR, 6.19; 95% CI, 2.32-16.56, P < 0.001). The use of autologous and allogeneic platelet-rich plasma resulted in significantly higher complete-healed diabetic foot ulcer wounds compared with control. Though, the analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low number of studies in certain comparisons, for example, allogeneic platelet-rich plasma compared with control.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Chronic telogen effluvium is characterised by diffuse loss of hair of the scalp. One of the emerging lines of treatment is platelet-rich plasma. However, not much of published data exist. AIMS A pilot study was conducted on chronic telogen effluvium patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma, and to compare two different methods of platelet-rich plasma preparation. METHODS The study included 30 female patients with chronic telogen effluvium. Patients were randomised into three groups: Group (1): Special platelet-rich plasma tubes centrifuged at 3500 rpm; Group (2): Ordinary laboratory tubes centrifuged at 1000 rpm; Group (3): Normal saline as a placebo. Patients' evaluation was done with visual analog scale, hair pull test, trichoscopy, photos, satisfaction questionnaire, and safety. All patients received four monthly sessions. Patients were evaluated one month and three months after the last session. RESULTS The hair pull test,visual analogue scale, and patient satisfaction results showed a statistically significant difference between group 1 vs. group 3 and group 2 vs.group 3 at one and three months after the sessions, while there was no difference between group1 vs. group 2. Trichoscopy results (baseline, one and three months after treatment) showed a significant increase in hair density and thickness in the frontal area, temporal area, and the vertex in groups 1 and 2 only. There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups with regards to side effects. LIMITATIONS The sample size was small with ten patients in each group. Furthermore, the follow-up of patients was for only three months. CONCLUSIONS Platelet-rich plasma could be considered as a promising therapy for patients with chronic telogen effluvium with an excellent safety profile. The ordinary laboratory low-cost tubes might be a reliable alternative to the expensive special platelet-rich plasma kits tubes. The trial registry number is PACTR202006539654415.

Abstract

PURPOSE Peptic ulcer is a multifactorial and complex disease and affects a wide range of people worldwide. We provided a novel therapeutic approach for peptic ulcer and observed its effect. METHODS Peptic ulcer patients were enrolled from 2016 to 2017 in Chongqing and randomly assigned to two groups: a control group that used only rabeprazole and a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) group that received a combination therapy of autologous PRP (aPRP) and rabeprazole. The therapeutic effect was assessed via the ulcer size and symptom score. RESULTS A total of 27 patients were included (12 patients in the control group and 15 patients in the PRP group) in this study. Our results showed that all participants have healed in 30 days, and there was no significant difference in healing time between the PRP group and the control group in different independent variables. However, regression analysis revealed that the healing time was 6.99 days shorter in the PRP group than that in the control group, and patients with higher symptom scores in the initial examination need more time to heal during treatment. Endoscopic results showed that the repaired ulcer in the PRP group was more similar to the normal gastric mucosa tissue than that the control group. CONCLUSION This study showed an encouraging preliminary result that aPRP has a positive result in patients with peptic ulcer and seems to be a better choice for refractory peptic ulcer treatment. Although further follow-up studies are needed to determine the duration of efficacy of aPRP, the approach will be helpful in improving the clinical treatment of peptic ulcer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Subchondral bony structure damage plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) knee. An intra-articular injection cannot reach the damaged subchondral bony structure and treat its pathologies effectively. The objective of the study was to compare the clinical effects of single intra-articular injection with or without intra-osseous injections of PRP in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) knee. METHODS This was a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Fifty patients, with OA knee (K&L grade III), with ages between 50 and 65 years, were randomly allocated into 'intra-osseous, intra-articular PRP' ('IO+IA-PRP') (n = 25) or 'intra-articular PRP' group ('IA-PRP') (n = 25). Patients in the 'IO+IA-PRP' group received 18 ml PRP injection, and the 'IA-PRP' group received 8 ml PRP injection. Intra-osseous injections were given at the tibial plateau (5 ml) and femoral condyle (5 ml), along with intra-articular knee injection (8 ml), under fluoroscopic guidance. Outcomes were measured using VAS-pain, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), and the treatment satisfaction scale. All patients (n = 50) were followed up till six months. RESULTS The mean age was 57.12(4.27) years and 57.00(4.96) years in the 'IO+IA-PRP' and 'IA-PRP' groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in pain relief (VAS pain) and KOOS parameters: pain, symptoms, ADL function, sport and recreation function, and quality of life. Compared to the 'IA-PRP' group, the 'IO+IA-PRP' group showed a greater reduction of VAS pain at six months. However, no significant difference was obtained in VAS pain-relief between these two groups (p = 0.422) at six months. Similarly, at 6 months, in inter-group comparison, except 'sport and recreation function' (p < 0.05), no significant differences were obtained in mean-scores of KOOS parameters: pain (p = 0.514); symptom (p = 0.148), ADL-function (p = 0.991), QoL-(p = 0.376). Patients in the 'IO+IA-PRP' group complained of significant 'injection-associated' adverse events and consumed a greater number of Acetaphenomen. CONCLUSIONS Both groups showed significant improvement following the intervention. Intra-osseous PRP injections did not provide any additional benefit over intra-articular PRP injection until six months regarding pain relief and functional improvement.

Abstract

PURPOSE The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. METHODS The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for clinical trials which compared PRP injection with other 'active treatment' interventions ('Non-PRP' injection and 'No-injection' treatments) or 'No-active treatment' interventions. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that had been published up to 15 November 2021, were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome, pain relief, was measured on a 'visual analog scale.' Secondary outcomes were knee functional activities and quality of life (QoL). The PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout the study. RESULTS Eight comparative studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Assessment of these studies revealed that there were no significant differences in pain relief, functional outcomes, and QoL in the short, medium, and long term between PRP injection and Non-PRP injection interventions. Similarly, comparison of PRP injection to the No-active treatment intervention showed no differences in short- and medium-term pain relief. However, when PRP injection was compared to the No-injection treatment intervention extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECWT), the former was found to be more effective in terms of pain relief in the medium term (mean difference [MD] - 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 2.72 to - 0.28) and long term (MD - 1.70; 95% CI, - 2.90 to - 0.50) and functional outcomes in the medium term (MD 13.0; 95% CI 3.01-22.99) and long term (MD 13.70; 95% CI 4.62-22.78). CONCLUSIONS In terms of pain relief and functional outcomes, the PRP injection did not provide significantly greater clinical benefit than Non-PRP injections in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. However, in comparison with ESWT, there was a significant benefit in favor of PRP injection.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES to assess the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as adjunctive to compression therapy for post-phlebitic venous ulcers. METHODS This is a single-center randomized controlled trial on patients with persistent chronic post-phlebitic lower limb venous ulcers from March 2019 to March 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two equal cohort groups. Patients group in which patients underwent combined PRP with compression therapy versus control group in which patients underwent placebo+ compression therapy alone. The primary endpoint of the study was the improvement in ulcer topographic measurement. Secondary endpoints included ulcer healing parameters, possible healing factors, reduction in pain score (VAS), and the achievement of complete healing. RESULTS Forty patients were available equally for randomization and analysis in both groups. The median number of PRP applications for every patient in the patient group was 6 (ranging from 3 to 6). There was a significant decline in the median length, width, and depth of ulcers in the patients group versus control group. Consequently, there was a significant decline of the median ulcer area, in the patient group versus control group (4 (3-9) cm(2) vs. 10 (6-14) cm(2), p = .036). Also, the median volume of the ulcers showed a significant decline in the patient group versus control group (1 (.7-3) cm(3) vs 3 (2-6) cm(3), p = .008). Complete healing was achieved in 45% of patient group. There was a significant decline in pain scores at 3- and 6 months from the therapy starting point in both groups (patient group: pre-VAS = 6.5 vs. post(3 months)-VAS = 1 vs. post(6 months)-VAS = 0.5) and (control group: pre-VAS = 6.4 vs. post(3 months)-VAS = 4.5 vs. post(6 months)-VAS = 2.2), (p < .0001 for each). On the other hand, the decline in pain scores between both groups was statistically significant in favor of the patient group, (post (3 months); PRP-VAS = 1 vs. control-VAS = 4.5, and post(6 months); PRP-VAS = 0.5 vs. control-VAS = 2.2), (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Platelet-rich plasma as an adjunct to compression therapy for chronic post-phlebitic venous ulcers is safe and effective as regards the ulcer healing and improvement of pain score. PRP may be useful adjunct in treatment of post-phlebitic venous ulcer. However, larger trials are warranted.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The treatment of atrophic acne scars represents a therapeutic challenge. Recently, plasma gel has been introduced among treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of platelet-rich-plasma 'fluid' versus 'gel' form combined with fractional CO(2) laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. METHODS Twenty-seven patients with atrophic acne scars were included. Treatment with fractional CO(2) laser plus plasma fluid/gel was randomly assigned to the right/left sides of the face. Clinical and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) assessments were scheduled at baseline, one month, and three months after the last session. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in clinical assessment scores at third-month follow-up on the plasma gel- and plasma fluid-treated sides compared to those at the first-month follow-up (p < .001). Scar depth decreased significantly at third-month follow-up when compared to baseline on both plasma gel- and plasma fluid-treated sides (p < .001). The numerical pain score was significantly lower on the plasma fluid-treated side compared to the plasma gel-treated side (p = .004). CONCLUSION The use of platelet-rich plasma in combination with fractional CO(2) laser, both in fluid and gel form, produced significant results in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Patients reported an immediate more noticeable effect with plasma gel. However, the fluid injection was less painful.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Some studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves androgenetic alopecia (AGA)-while others do not. We determined whether the placebo effect significantly varies between split-scalp and whole-head trials on PRP monotherapy for AGA. Our rationale was based on the plausibility of PRP diffusing to the control (i.e., 'placebo') side of split-scalp trials. This is not possible in whole head studies. METHODS We systematically searched the literature for available data. Our choice of analyses and outcomes were determined by the available data. RESULTS Our endpoint was change in total hair density six months after baseline. Our regression showed that total hair density after six months was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the placebo arm of split-scalp trials, compared to whole-head studies, by 37 hairs/cm(2) . Our one-arm meta-analyses showed that the pooled change in total hair density between the PRP side and placebo side in split scalp studies was -3 hairs/cm(2) (p=0.37), that is, a slight decrease in hair density in the placebo side of the scalp. For whole head stdies the corresponding difference in total hair density between patients receiving PRP and those on placebo was -30 hairs/cm(2) (p=0.000017), that is, a much larger decrease in hair density. Patients in the placebo group in whole-head trials lost significantly more hair than in the placebo side of the split-head trials where hair loss was comparatively reduced-presumably because of PRP diffusing from the treatment side of the scalp. CONCLUSIONS The association between design (i.e., split-scalp vs. whole-head) and outcome, in placebo arms of AGA trials on PRP monotherapy, had never been reported. This 'design effect' could partly reconcile the incongruent conclusions across the PRP literature for AGA; furthermore, clinical guidelines can consider 'design effect' when selecting evidence to base care practices on.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Interventions for chronic discogenic spine pain are currently insufficient in lowering individual patient suffering and global disease burden. A 2016 study of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for chronic discogenic pain previously demonstrated clinically significant response among active group patients compared with controls. OBJECTIVES To replicate the previous research to move this intervention forward as a viable option for patient care. STUDY DESIGN A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. SETTING Multicenter private practices. METHODS Twenty-six (12 men, 14 women) human patients, ages 25 to 71 with a diagnosis of chronic lumbar discogenic pain, were randomly assigned to active (PRP) or control (saline) groups in a ratio of 2 active to 1 control. Baseline and follow-up Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale questionnaires were obtained to track patient outcomes at 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS Within group assessment showed clinically significant improvement in 17% of PRP patients and clinically significant decline in 5% (1 patient) of the active group. Clinically significant improvement was seen in 13% of placebo group patients and no placebo patients had clinically significant decline secondary to the procedure. LIMITATIONS Possible explanations may include a range of factors including differences in patient demographics, outcome-measure sensitivity, or misalignment of statistical analyses. CONCLUSIONS These findings are markedly different than the highly promising results of the 2016 PRP study. This study posits necessary caution for researchers who wish to administer PRP for therapeutic benefit and may ultimately point to necessary redirection of interventional research for discogenic pain populations.

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that the combined injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) may have additive benefits for knee osteoarthritis over PRP alone, but there is insufficient evidence to support this combined injection. Moreover, the simultaneous injection of PRP and HA may offset the combined effect. Hence, the aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to assess their combined efficacy with a novel injection protocol. Forty-six study subjects with unilateral knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either a single-dose injection of HA (intervention group) or normal saline (control group) 1 week after a single-dose injection of leukocyte-poor PRP. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and static balance and the risk of falls measured by Biodex Balance System were, respectively, the primary and secondary outcome measures. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-injection. The intervention group exhibited significant declines in WOMAC pain, stiffness, and total scores, as well as static balance, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These randomized double-blind control trials, with novel protocol of intra-articular injection of PRP 1-week prior to HA, provide greater symptom relief and improve static balance compared to PRP alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis.