Autologous platelet concentrates as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the possible additional clinical benefit from autologous platelet concentrate (APC) treatment adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).

Methods: Electronic (MEDLINE/Embase/Cochrane/MedNar/CORE) and hand searches were conducted. Following studies selection, evidence tables were formed, and meta-analyses were performed for the following outcomes: probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023514388).

Results: After de-duplication, the initial search yielded 194 citations, from which ten papers were eligible for quantitative synthesis. The APC group comprised 270 patients, while the control group included 230. The meta-analysis revealed that a single APC application resulted in a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.62; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.22) and 0.8 mm more CAL gain (MD = -0.77; 95% CI: -1.18, -0.37) at the 6-12 weeks follow-up. At six months, the APC group exhibited a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.61; 95% CI: -1.13, -0.09) and 1.1 mm more CAL gain (MD = -1.14; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.34) compared to the NSPT only group. In contrast, BoP indices did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups after 6-12 weeks (MD = -10.54; 95% CI: -25.21, 4.14). High heterogeneity and unclear to high risk of bias were detected.

Conclusion: Over six months, the adjunctive APC use appears to provide additional benefits in PPD reduction and CAL gain compared to NSPT alone.

Clinical relevance: The adjunctive use of APCs seems to promote further improvements in clinical outcomes following NSPT.