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J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2020; 81(06): 529-534
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709170
Review Article

Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Zhaopeng Xuan
1   Department of Hand Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
,
Wenjun Yu
1   Department of Hand Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
,
Yichen Dou
1   Department of Hand Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
,
Tao Wang
1   Department of Hand Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Abstract

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be beneficial for patients with low back pain. However, the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of PRP for low back pain.

Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of PRP on low back pain were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcome was pain scores within 8 weeks. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model.

Results Three RCTs involving 131 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention for low back pain, PRP injection was found to reduce pain scores significantly (mean difference: − 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], − 2.12 to − 0.81; p < 0.0001), improve the number of patients with > 50% pain relief at 3 months (risk ratio [RR]: 4.14; 95% CI, 2.22–7.74; p < 0.00001), and offer relatively good patient satisfaction (RR: 1.91; 95% CI, 1.04–3.53; p = 0.04). No increase in adverse events was reported after PRP injection (RR: 1.92; 95% CI, 0.94-3.91; p = 0.07).

Conclusions Compared with control intervention for low back pain, PRP injection was found to improve pain relief and patient satisfaction significantly with no increase in adverse events.

Keywords

low back pain - platelet-rich plasma - pain scores - systematic review - meta-analysis


Publication History

Received: 24 May 2019

Accepted: 22 October 2019

Article published online:
21 May 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 

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