Effectiveness of Platelet-rich Plasma in Treating Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis.

Introduction: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an effective treatment for spinal cord injury in animal models.

Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases. The included studies were summarized based on the investigated outcomes, including functional recovery and cavity size. Data were recorded as Mean±SD. The relationships between variables and the outcomes were investigated based on the "meta" command in the STATA 17.0 statistical program.

Results: In total, 9 articles were included in the present meta-analysis. Pooled data analysis showed that administrating PRP significantly improved the motor function of animals (standardized mean differences [SMD]=1.5; 95% CI, 0.9%, 2.1%; P<0.0001). In subgroup analysis based on the severity of the injury, PRP administration significantly improved the motor function of animals in both moderate (SMD=2.59; 95% CI, 1.59%, 3.59%; P<0.0001; I²=30.22%) and severe injuries (SMD=1.22; 95% CI, 0.64%, 1.79%; P<0.0001; I²=56.35%). However, the recovery of function was significantly more in animals with moderate spinal cord injury (meta-regression coefficient=-1.36; 95% CI, -2.68%, -0.09%; P=0.035). In assessing cavity size, pooled data analysis showed that PRP administration significantly reduces cavity size (SMD=-2.2; 95% CI, -3.44%, -0.95%; P<0.0001).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that PRP can significantly improve motor function and reduce the cavity size in animals with moderate to severe spinal cord injuries.