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 received news of additional independent research on Harvest PRP; PRP for treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers and ACL reconstructions; and Cell Therapies for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.
Let's explore!
Double-Spin Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Is Predominantly Lymphocyte Rich With Notable Concentrations of Other White Blood Cell Subtypes
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation
The Harvest SmartPrep system has been the gold standard in PRP for nearly 2 decades. With that, comes an abundance of independent lab analysis that verify the outputs of the system.
This study is one such example. Authors quantitatively assessed platelet and WB cell subtype concentrations in Harvest PRP from 12 samples. They only investigated LR-PRP, however, found that these samples were predominately lymphocyte-rich and that the granulocyte concentration of the specimen was significantly reduced.
Additionally, they found that the platelet concentration from the PC-30 kit was ~7x above baseline.
Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Promotes the Healing of Non-Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Annals of Vascular Surgery // Level of Evidence: l
DFU (diabetic foot ulcer) represents a major global health and socioeconomic problem and a leading cause of lower limb amputation. Fortunately, both PRP and BMAC are now being used to successfully reduce the need for total limb amputations.
In this study, a total of 80 patients were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive either PRP injection in the healing edge and the floor of the targeted DFU (Group A), or have usual standard care with moist dressing with or without collagenase ointment (Group B). Authors found that PRP injections helped accelerate wound healing, reduce need for major amputation and decrease the rate of local infection in DFU. Most notably, it is a cost effective treatment at 247.50$ vs. 437.50$ for the total cost of treatment for patients of Group B.
Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Tendon-Bone Healing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Orthopaedic Surgery // Level of Evidence: ll
This retrospective study included 85 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons. The participants in the study group (n = 42) were injected with platelet-rich plasma at both ends of the tendon graft, while those in the control group (n = 43) received an injection of normal saline.
Authors found that those in the PRP group had significantly better IKDC scores at 3-months postoperatively, leading them to conclude that PRP can promote tendon-bone healing in grafts and can improve early postoperative knee joint function.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Cell Therapy
Orthobiologics // Level of Evidence: l
Phillipe and Jacques Hernigou are prioneers of orthobiologics, having authored some of the earliest studies in this emerging field of medicine.
In this systematic review, they looked at the efficacy of cell therapy for patients with rotator cuff disorders - specifically investigating those that used Bone Marrow Aspirate or Adipose-derived cells. Their review included eight trials. Four trials had level 1 or 2 evidence, while the four other trials had moderate to high risk of bias (level 3 or 4 evidence)
All controlled trials reported superior outcomes and/or better tendon healing when marrow-derived or adipose-derived cells were transplanted.
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
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