Platelet-Rich Plasma in Clinical Practice
January 2016
in “
South African family practice
”
TLDR Platelet-rich plasma is considered safe but needs more research to prove its effectiveness in medical treatments.
The document from 2016 examines the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in fields such as orthopaedics, dentistry, dermatology, and aesthetic medicine, highlighting its potential for enhancing healing due to its high concentration of platelets and growth factors. It acknowledges the short-term safety and efficacy of PRP, especially in orthopaedic applications, and notes its promise in treating conditions like alopecia areata and for skin rejuvenation. However, the document emphasizes the need for more high-quality randomized controlled trials to establish long-term benefits and overall effectiveness. It also points out the influence of marketing and potential revenue on the popularity of PRP treatments, the lack of pharmaceutical industry investment in PRP research, and the high cost of PRP treatments. The document concludes that while PRP is safe, further research is necessary to confirm its efficacy in various medical applications.
