Abstract
The utilization of platelet-rich-plasma as a therapeutic intervention for knee osteoarthritis has gained immense attention since 2008. The increase in the number of scientific publications dedicated to this area can be attributed to the majority of favorable results reported in clinical trials and basic science studies. However, despite the growing evidence, the use of platelet-rich plasma in clinical practice still poses controversial aspects. The potential mechanisms of action described for platelet-rich-plasma so far indicate that it could serve as a disease-modifying drug, acting to counteract important aspects of knee osteoarthritis pathophysiology (cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and bone remodeling). Nevertheless, its efficacy in slowing down the progression of knee osteoarthritis remains unproven. While inconsistencies have been noted, the majority of controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses advocate for the utilization of platelet-rich-plasma in treating knee osteoarthritis, as it has demonstrated greater efficacy than hyaluronic acid and placebo, with a follow-up of at least 1 year. Despite advancements made in certain areas, significant diversity persists regarding the formulations used, therapeutic regimen, extended follow-up periods, patient selection, and assessment of clinically relevant outcomes. Consequently, the leading clinical practice guidelines do not recommend its use. In light of the emerging evidence, this narrative review aims to provide an objective evaluation of the recent available scientific literature (last 5 years) focused on randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses to present a current overview of the topic.
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All authors had full access to the data in the study and take responsibility for the information. MS-M: design and conception of the research idea, literature search, design of methodology, data extraction and interpretation, supervision of the study, critical review of the manuscript, writing the original draft, and approval of the final version of the manuscript. DO-M: data extraction and interpretation, writing the original draft, literature search, critical review of the manuscript, and approval of the final version of the manuscript. CAA-O: design and conception of the research idea, literature search, data extraction and interpretation, critical review of the manuscript, writing the original draft, and approval of the final version of the manuscript.
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Simental-Mendía, M., Ortega-Mata, D. & Acosta-Olivo, C.A. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis: What Does the Evidence Say?. Drugs Aging 40, 585–603 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-023-01040-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-023-01040-6