Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Patients With Atrophic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic nasal condition with mucosal atrophy and impaired clearance.
• Current treatments for AR are palliative, lacking regenerative focus.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has potential regenerative properties, but its efficacy in AR is under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating atrophic rhinitis (AR).
• To assess PRP's impact on nasal symptom relief, mucociliary clearance, and tissue repair biomarkers in AR patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Cochrane Library up to September 2024.
• Included studies were randomized clinical trials, prospective trials, and case series evaluating PRP for AR.
• Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Main Results:

• PRP treatment significantly improved nasal symptoms, reducing sino-nasal outcome test scores from 22.4 to 12.7.
• Four studies indicated enhanced mucociliary clearance, with one showing reduced saccharin transit time from 420s to 220s.
• Biochemical markers suggested tissue regeneration, and improvements in anosmia and nasal obstruction were noted with no severe adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) demonstrates potential benefits for atrophic rhinitis (AR) symptom management and mucociliary function.
• Current evidence is limited by diagnostic and methodological inconsistencies, necessitating further high-quality research.
• Rigorous, independently funded trials with standardized protocols are required before widespread clinical adoption of PRP for AR.