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MDBiologix

Regenerative Research Roundup - February 2023



Welcome to the Regenerative Research Roundup, where we look through recently published research and bring you the best of the best in a quick-to-read digest.

This month, we have a few studies looking at different PRP preparations in hair restoration procedures, PRP for CMC OA, and evidence supporting PRP in various Foot & Ankle pathologies.

Let's dive in!


 

Effect of platelet counts and activator in platelet-rich plasma on the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, split-head comparison: A randomised, double-blind study

Indian Journal of Dermatology // LOI: l


This randomised, split-head RCT should help elucidate the importance of both platelet count, and potentially platelet activation, in the efficacy of hair restoration procedures.

Authors treated a total of 80 patients with either activated (10% CaCL) or non-activated PRP. PRP was prepared using a double-spin protocol and patient groups were further stratified by platelet count in the final preparation. This generally ranged from 3x, 3-5x, >5x baseline.

The result? Activated platelet-rich plasma produced significant improvement of hair density after four months and hair thickness at 6 months. An increase in platelet count led to a significant increase in hair density and hair thickness after three and four months respectively and a highly significant increase in both parameters at the end of the study.

 

Platelet-rich plasma injection for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

Rehabilitiation Research and Clinical Translation // LOE: ll

Evidence supporting PRP in CMC arthritis is limited in efficacy. Mostly, this is due to improper platelet preparation. The CMC joint is only able to accommodate a small volume of injectate, so platelet concentration within the preparation is critical to ensure an adequate dose is delivered. What is the appropriate dose? Let's find one possible answer:

This study assessed the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection among patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA). Nineteen adults (average age 65.0 (±6.3 years) received a PRP injection for osteoarthritis, a total of 33 thumbs. The average concentration of the final PRP product was 8.8x above baseline and characterized as LR-PRP.



The subjects reported moderate or excellent symptom improvement in 68.8% of injected joints and were moderately or very satisfied with 68.8% of the procedures. Mean patient-reported duration of benefit was 15.6 months (±19.5) months (mean duration of follow-up: 32.4 (±18.1) months).



 


Advances in the Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Foot and Ankle: A Review


Journal of Clinical Medicine // LOE: IV


This review thoroughly details all the available, high-quality evidence, supporting the use of PRP in Foot and Ankle. More specifically, it's applications in:

  • Fracture

  • Osteoarticular joint fusion

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Achilles tendon disease

  • Cartilage and osteochondral lesions of the talus

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • And diabetic foot ulcers


Authors indicate what type of PRP is used (LR-PRP vs. LP-PRP) if that information is available, but failed to indicate the dose of PRP. However, readers should find plenty of relevant information in this text when assessing evidence across multiple F&A pathologies.



 

If you have any questions or comments regarding the above research, or are wondering how you can apply it to your regenerative practice, please leave a comment below or shoot me an email at cdowns@mdbiologix.com

Cheers!

Connor

 

This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and any related subjects. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of MDBiologix. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if any treatment is right for you.

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