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Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
Published on: January 19, 2024
Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Melasma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lingyun Zhao1, Meng Hu2, Qing Xiao1
1Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
Introduction:
Melasma is a chronic and recurrent skin problem for which an effective therapy is currently lacking. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently emerged as a novel treatment for melasma, but to date there has been no systematic evaluation of its efficacy and safety.
Methods:
The Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles using the search items "melasma," "chloasma" and "platelet-rich plasma." STATA version 15.1 software was used to analyze data. Study outcomes were calculated using standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results:
The database search identified ten studies involving 395 adult patients that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis of pre- and post-treatment data from these studies revealed that the post-treatment modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score decreased by 1.18 (95% CI 0.89-1.47; p = 0.02). Subjective satisfaction evaluation of PRP treatment showed that melasma treated with the combination therapy of PRP + microneedling may have been the most efficacious treatment compared to PRP alone or in combination with intradermal injection. Adverse reactions were minor, with only a few patients reporting local congestion, temporary erythema, hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
Conclusion:
These results support the efficacy and safety of PRP used in combination or alone as treatment for melasma.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) effectively treats melasma, a common skin condition. This meta-analysis confirms PRP
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Melasma is a chronic, recurring skin condition with limited effective treatment options.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel therapeutic approach for melasma.
- Systematic evaluation of PRP's efficacy and safety in melasma treatment is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for melasma treatment.
- To synthesize findings from existing studies through meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Library).
- Inclusion of ten studies with 395 adult patients for meta-analysis.
- Statistical analysis using STATA 15.1, calculating standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis of ten studies involving 395 patients showed a significant decrease in the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score post-treatment (1.18, p=0.02).
- Combination therapy of PRP with microneedling demonstrated potentially higher efficacy compared to PRP alone or with intradermal injection.
- Adverse reactions were minor and transient, including local congestion, erythema, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an effective and safe treatment option for melasma.
- PRP can be used alone or in combination with other therapies for improved outcomes.
- Further research may focus on optimizing combination therapies for melasma.
