A Study of Platelet Rich Plasma Commonly Used in Neurosurgery Practice

AIM: No consensus is present regarding application modalities of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), commonly used in neurosurgery clinics.  In this systematic review, the aim was to evaluate the potential role of PRP in neurosurgery practice after examining studies previously performed on this matter. In doing so, the preparation and activation of PRP, the appropriate dosage and concentrations used in the treatment were investigated.

MATERIALS and METHODS: A comprehensive and systematic literature search of numerous electronic databases was performed.  Keywords used were related to PRP and neurological diagnosis.  Studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were retrieved, then the results were reported using the descriptive statistical methodology.

RESULTS: Ofthe 863 articles examined in detail, 27 were related to disc tissue pathologies, and four were related to complications occurred after spinal cord injury. After full-text review of these articles, nine were systematically evaluated.

CONCLUSION: It is important to prevent the preparation and application errors of PRP which is conventionally applied in clinics after being prepared using various kits and protocols. To achieve this aim, it is necessary to formulate clear protocols on how to prepare PRP for the treatment of which diseases, and which doses and durations should be used in the treatment. These protocols should take its place in the neurosurgical treatment guidelines. However, the differences that may be resulted in the application of different concentrations of PRP, which contains growth factors, should be evaluated promptly at the molecular level.