Current art of combination therapy with autologous platelet-rich plasma for stable vitiligo: A meta-analysis

Presently, there is an explosion in various uses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Several trials comparing combination therapy with PRP vs monotherapy for vitiligo have been published. However, evidence-based information is not enough for making well-informed decisions. This study aimed to evaluate several combination therapy strategies for vitiligo. EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials comparing combination therapy with PRP vs monotherapy for vitiligo. Eleven studies with 670 cases were included. Compared with monotherapy, clinical improvement of repigmentation was significantly higher in 308-nm excimer laser combined with PRP (odds rate for response rate of 50%-100% repigmentation, 4.47; 95% CI, 2.47-8.10; P < .00001) and in fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with PRP (mean difference for mean improvement grades of repigmentation, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.24-2.99; P = .02), respectively. Compared to monotherapy, there is no higher clinical improvement in strategies of PRP combined with narrowband-ultraviolet B or non-cultured epidermal cell suspension. Trivial adverse events were reported. This meta-analysis summarises current evidence that PRP combined with 308-nm excimer laser or fractional carbon dioxide laser is effective and safe for vitiligo. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of several combination therapy strategies with PRP in the treatment of vitiligo. The response rate of repigmentation and mean improvement grades of repigmentation were mainly used for qualitative assessment. PRP combined with 308-nm excimer laser or fractional carbon dioxide laser is effective and safe for vitiligo due to its healing and regenerative properties.