Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
14:38
Preparation, Procedures and Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: January 4, 2019
Clinical Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Vocal Fold Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Guilherme A M Santoro1, Suellen A de Oliveira1, Erika L M M de Almeida1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise for vocal fold disorders, improving patient-reported outcomes and clinical signs. However, more standardized research is needed due to limited high-quality studies.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Voice Science
Background:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potential regenerative therapy for vocal fold disorders affecting the lamina propria.
- Conditions like vocal fold atrophy, sulcus vocalis, and scarring may benefit from PRP.
- Current clinical evidence for PRP in vocal fold disorders is limited and varied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the clinical efficacy of PRP injections for vocal fold disorders.
- To assess the impact of PRP on patient-reported outcomes, perceptual evaluations, and acoustic measures.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Comprehensive search of major biomedical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CENTRAL).
- Random-effects meta-analysis for Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and pooled clinical improvement rates.
Main Results:
- Ten studies with 350 patients were included; most were case series.
- PRP injections generally improved patient-reported voice outcomes, perceptual evaluations, and stroboscopic findings.
- Meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in VHI-10 scores (8.02 points) and an 80.5% clinical improvement rate.
Conclusions:
- PRP is a promising and safe treatment for specific vocal fold disorders.
- Evidence is limited by heterogeneity and a lack of randomized controlled trials.
- Further standardized research is essential to establish PRP's role in vocal fold regeneration.