Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition, leading to significant pain and disability globally. With about 10% of the world’s population affected, finding effective treatments is crucial. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative solution. This blog summarizes key findings from a peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports, highlighting the critical dose of PRP for long-term efficacy in treating knee OA.
The study aimed to optimize the dose and concentration of PRP for knee OA, evaluating its clinical efficacy compared to hyaluronic acid (HA). A total of 150 patients with moderate knee OA were randomized to receive either PRP (10 billion platelets) or HA, with follow-up over one year.
The study, titled “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Osteoarthritis (OA) Knee: Correct Dose Critical for Long-Term Clinical Efficacy,” was published in Scientific Reports in February 2021. Himanshu Bansal and colleagues conducted research to optimize the dose and concentration of therapeutic PRP for knee OA and evaluate its structural and physiological efficacy using a new manual preparation method.
The study was a randomized controlled trial involving 150 patients with knee OA. Participants were divided into 75 patient groups of PRP (10 billion platelets) and HA (4 ml). The participants were followed for one year to assess the long-term effects of the treatments.
The study provided several significant insights into the efficacy of PRP for knee OA:
Optimal PRP Dose
The researchers found that an absolute count of 10 billion platelets in 8 ml of PRP was crucial for sustained therapeutic effects. This amount of platelets is only possible with large blood draws (of approximately 50 ml or more of blood) and high platelet recovery rates.
WOMAC and IKDC Scores
WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores, which measure pain, stiffness, and physical function, showed significant improvement in the PRP group compared to the HA group.
Pain-Free Walking Distance
Patients in the PRP group exhibited a notable increase in the pain-free walking distance (6-minute walking test) compared to those in the HA group, indicating enhanced mobility and reduced pain.
Reduction in Inflammatory Cytokines
The study observed a significant decline in the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in the PRP group compared to the HA group at one month, correlating with reduced inflammation and pain relief.
Comparison with Hyaluronic Acid
The PRP group consistently outperformed the HA group in all measured outcomes. While the HA group showed initial improvements, these effects diminished over time, with scores returning to baseline levels or worse by the end of the study. In contrast, the PRP group maintained significant improvements throughout the one-year follow-up period.
The study employed a novel, filtration-based manual method to prepare PRP, ensuring high platelet yield and consistency.
PRP Preparation Method
Treatment Protocol
Assessment Metrics
WOMAC Scores:
IKDC Scores:
Pain-Free Walking Distance:
Significance for Clinicians and Patients:
Potential for PRP as a Standard Treatment:
Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility:
The study “Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Osteoarthritis (OA) Knee: Correct Dose Critical for Long Term Clinical Efficacy” highlighted the significant benefits of PRP therapy for knee OA when administered at an optimal dose of 10 billion platelets in 8 ml. The key findings included:
These results underscore the potential of PRP as a long-term, effective treatment for knee OA, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies.
If you or someone you know is suffering from knee osteoarthritis, consider consulting with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits of PRP therapy. With its promising results and minimal invasiveness, PRP could be the solution to managing your OA symptoms effectively.
Explore the best PRP equipment at PRP Labs, where we provide advanced preparation equipment to ensure optimal platelet yield and therapeutic efficacy. Visit our website, PRP Labs, for more information.
Bansal H, Leon J, Pont JL, Wilson DA, Bansal A, Agarwal D, Preoteasa I. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in osteoarthritis (OA) knee: Correct dose critical for long term clinical efficacy. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 17;11(1):3971. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83025-2. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 14;11(1):18612. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98365-2. PMID: 33597586; PMCID: PMC7889864. Link to Study
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