1.
Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies
Poulios, E., Mykoniatis, I., Pyrgidis, N., Kalyvianakis, D., Hatzichristou, D.
Sexual medicine reviews. 2023
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy as a treatment modality for ED management by the European Association of Urology sexual health guidelines, intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity between urologists and patients as a novel ED therapeutic modality with initial promising results. However, limited clinical data exist regarding efficacy and safety in patients with ED. Furthermore, despite numerous preclinical studies in other tissues and organs, the mechanism of action for restoring erectile function remains undetermined. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to present the current status of preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP as treatment option for ED. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases, until February 2023 for studies exploring the effect of PRP on ED. RESULTS We identified 517 articles, 23 of which were included in this review. These were 7 preclinical (of which 1 was a comparative trial and 6 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials) and 16 clinical studies (of which 1 was a comparative trial, 5 were randomized trials, and 2 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials). Preclinical data support the regenerative role of PRP in erectile tissue, in accordance with existing evidence in other tissues. Randomized clinical studies, as well as the first 2 available randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, showed promising efficacy and a lack of any adverse events. CONCLUSION As PRP for ED is widely used worldwide, there is an urgent need for high-quality studies with long-term follow-up. Standardization of research protocols, especially on the quality of PRP preparation, is also needed.
2.
Use of an Autologous Platelet-Rich Concentrate in Hypospadias Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta analysis
Borkar, N., Tiwari, C., Mohanty, D., Sinha, A., Upadhyaya, V. D.
Arab journal of urology. 2023;21(3):177-184
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is unanimous agreement amongst hypospadias surgeons to use an intermediate layer to cover the neourethra. Dartos fascia and tunica vaginalis (TV) flaps are the most preferred tissues to be used. Tissue glue, sealants and biomaterials are also useful where there is a paucity of local tissue to cover the neourethra. But these blood-derived products have associated infectious and allergic risks. The autologous human platelet concentrate (APC) contains biologically active factors and is safe for wound healing and soft tissue reconstruction. It has been used by few surgeons as an intermediate layer in hypospadias repair. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to systematically compare the outcomes of hypospadias surgery in children with or without using APCs. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analysis protocol was registered with INPLASY. A systematic, detailed search was carried out by the authors in the electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, Google Scholar and clinical trial registry. Studies were selected and compared based on primary outcome measures like urethra-cutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, wound infection and operative time. Statistical analysis was performed using a fixed-effect model, pooled risk ratio and I(2) heterogeneity. RESULTS Four randomized studies with a total of 355 patients were included. Pooled analysis for outcome of urethra-cutaneous fistula (UCF) showed no significant difference between the groups with APC and without APC. Pooled analysis for the other outcome like meatal stenosis, wound infection and total complications showed a decrease in incidence of these complications in groups with APC. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis shows that there is a reduction in the incidence of wound infection, meatal stenosis and total complications in patients where APC was used to cover the neourethra, although no such difference was observed in UCF rates.
