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A Systematic Review of the Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Patrick Kennedy BS, Shayoni Nag DO, Amy M. Moore MD
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
2025-01-09
Presenter: Patrick Kennedy
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting.
Director Name: Amy M. Moore
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background: Peripheral neuropathic pain significantly impacts quality of life and imposes financial burdens on healthcare systems. Conventional treatments often fall short in managing chronic neuropathic pain, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential option, leveraging its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties to address nerve-related pain.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/Medline to identify studies on PRP applications in peripheral neuropathy. Inclusion criteria encompassed original studies and case series/reports with pre- and post-intervention outcomes, focusing on various neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), ulnar neuritis, piriformis syndrome, and common peroneal neuropathy. Data were extracted and analyzed for changes in pain and functional outcomes, with a primary focus on CTS due to its more extensive literature.
Results: Thirteen studies involving 509 patients were included. PRP demonstrated significant improvements in pain (Visual Analog Scale) and function (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) in CTS compared to controls, including saline, corticosteroids, and splinting, particularly at three and six-month follow-ups (p < 0.001). Case reports on ulnar neuritis, piriformis syndrome, and common peroneal neuropathy highlighted promising outcomes.
Conclusions: PRP appears to be an effective, safe intervention for peripheral neuropathies, with the most robust evidence supporting its use in CTS. While the heterogeneity of study methodologies and limited sample sizes were limiting, we are currently working on a randomized controlled trial to standardize PRP protocols and explore its synergistic potential with surgical interventions. This review underscores PRP's potential as a novel therapeutic avenue for challenging neuropathic pain conditions.
