Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: an exploratory case series.

Abstract

Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a progressive disease with an increased risk of developing oral cancer. There exists a notable scarcity of evidence on treatments that can promote tissue regeneration in OSF. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging therapy with limited applications in OSF.

Study design: A prospective case-series was conducted in 10 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of OSF. Baseline data included sociodemographic and risk habits, self-reported burning sensation to food was recorded using a visual analogue scale, and inter incisor distance at maximum mouth opening was measured in cm. Autologous PRP was infiltrated into bilateral buccal mucosa, once a month, and measurements were repeated at 6 months. Thresholds for clinically significant improvement were defined at ≥ 50% change in burning sensation, and ≥ 25% change in mouth opening. Data analysis was done using a paired sample T test and effect size (Cohen's D).

Results: Patients were aged 31 to 69 years, female to male ratio was 1:4 with mild to moderate disease severity. Clinically significant change in mouth opening was reported in 60% of patients, whereas 100% reported significant reduction in burning sensation, no side effects were reported. There were statistically significant differences (P < .05) on mouth opening and burning sensation following PRP therapy.

Conclusions: Based on this exploratory evidence, we propose intralesional PRP therapy as a safe and clinically effective treatment for mild to moderate OSF. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol YEAR;VOL:page range).