Platelet-rich plasma : hype without substance?

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In summary, I am skeptical about the scientific basis of "platelet-rich plasma" (PRP). The view expressed in https://www.painscience.com/articles/platelet-rich-plasma-does-it-work.php seems to sum up my objections, but as I am not in the medical field, I am not sure how valid such articles as https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683340/ are. There is no medical justification for using it, unless you are a licensed dentist doing certain procedures.
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nomadreid
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TL;DR Summary
There are lots of studies concerning "platelet-rich plasma", but I am skeptical ....
I am skeptical about the scientific basis of "platelet-rich plasma" (PRP): the view expressed in https://www.painscience.com/articles/platelet-rich-plasma-does-it-work.php seems to sum up my objections, but as I am not in the medical field, I am not sure how valid such articles as https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683340/ are. (Many such articles are published, as is this one, in "open source" journals, which always rings alarm bells, but on the other hand some open source journals actually do have decent peer review.) Is there any good science behind PRP?
 
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nomadreid said:
Summary: There are lots of studies concerning "platelet-rich plasma", but I am skeptical ...

I am skeptical about the scientific basis of "platelet-rich plasma" (PRP): the view expressed in https://www.painscience.com/articles/platelet-rich-plasma-does-it-work.php seems to sum up my objections, but as I am not in the medical field, I am not sure how valid such articles as https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683340/ are. (Many such articles are published, as is this one, in "open source" journals, which always rings alarm bells, but on the other hand some open source journals actually do have decent peer review.) Is there any good science behind PRP?
The story of PRP treatment controversy is actually very similar to glucosamine treatment controversy or placenta injection controversy. Seems in some cases (the dental surgery most likely) PRP treatment can be justified, but a lot of pressure do exist to try newly available treatment against just every malady, resulting in string of treatment failures. Please wait 20-30 years until medics will agree on the area of applicability (or its absence) of PRP treatment.
 
  • #3
Thanks, trurle. So your "dental surgery most likely" seems to indicate that perhaps the justification given in the paper I cited: "The platelets contained in this concentrate of autologous plasma release their alpha granules after the coagulation process has been locally trigged in the wound site. These alpha granules contain a cocktail of growth factors which promote proliferation, chemotaxis and the differentiation of cells, which are essential to osteogenesis. Thus, besides its procoagulant effect, PRP is a source of growth factors involved in initiating and sustaining wound healing by accelerating bone repair, promoting fibroblast proliferation, and increasing tissue vascularity" might have some validity? That is, while I am waiting for a consensus and enough long-term studies, should I consider that the causal explanation could be a valid one? That is, there are lots of theories offering explanations that I know enough about to be able to either dismiss or to say "that might hold water", but my expertise in biology is close to nil, so that I cannot judge this one: are you saying that this explanation is out of the "silly" category and into the "could be" category?
 
  • #4
No, it is merely a clinical observation based on smaller numbers. It is not a controlled trial. There are other clinical trials for this that do not indicate usefulness in other procedures. So, there is no medical justification for using it, unless you are a licensed dentist doing certain procedures. And then it is discretionary.

You are deriving too much science. Medicine/dentistry is both art and a science.
Learn about this here:
https://www.pharmaco-vigilance.eu/content/discrepancies-between-observational-studies-and-randomized-controlled-trial
 
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Thanks, jim mcnamara, but the link you gave is broken ("page not found")
 
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Interesting. I cannot get to it either. Hmm.
 
  • #8
Thanks, Tom.G. I got it. Now I can say to jim mcnamara: thanks, a relevant article.
 
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1. What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that involves taking a small sample of a person's blood and separating out the platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is then injected into the area of the body that needs healing, with the goal of promoting tissue repair and regeneration.

2. Is PRP effective in treating injuries and promoting healing?

While there have been some studies that show potential benefits of PRP in treating certain injuries and conditions, the overall evidence is still inconclusive. Some studies have found no significant difference in healing between PRP and placebo treatments, while others have shown some improvement. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of PRP.

3. Are there any risks or side effects associated with PRP?

PRP is generally considered safe, as it uses a person's own blood and therefore carries a low risk of allergic reactions or infections. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a potential for side effects such as pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Rarely, there may also be a risk of nerve damage or tissue damage.

4. How many treatments of PRP are typically needed?

The number of PRP treatments needed varies depending on the injury or condition being treated and the individual's response to the treatment. Some people may see improvement after just one treatment, while others may require multiple treatments. It is important to discuss this with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.

5. Is PRP a cure-all for all types of injuries and conditions?

No, PRP is not a cure-all and may not be effective for all types of injuries and conditions. It is also important to note that PRP is not a replacement for other conventional treatments and should be used in conjunction with other therapies as recommended by a healthcare professional.

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