PRPs

PRPs, short for platelet-rich plasma products, are plasma preparations derived from blood that contain a higher-than-baseline concentration of platelets. They are typically produced from whole blood by centrifugation or other separation methods to concentrate platelets and are often activated with agents such as calcium chloride or thrombin to trigger growth factor release before use.

PRPs are commonly categorized by their leukocyte content, described as leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) or leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP). The exact composition, including platelet concentration and the presence of other cells, varies depending on the preparation protocol and commercial kits.

Clinical use spans several medical fields. In orthopedics and sports medicine, PRPs are used for injections aimed at osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and other soft-tissue injuries. In dermatology and aesthetics, PRPs are explored for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration. In dentistry and maxillofacial procedures, they are investigated for bone and soft-tissue healing.

Evidence for efficacy is mixed and condition-specific. Some studies report improvements in pain and function for certain musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in the short term, while others find no significant advantage over placebo or standard care. A major challenge is heterogeneity in PRP preparation, activation, dosing, and study design, which complicates comparisons and meta-analyses.

Safety is generally favorable when PRPs are prepared and used under proper aseptic conditions, as most preparations are autologous. Risks include infection, injection-related pain, and inflammatory responses, especially with LR-PRP. Regulatory oversight varies by country and product type, with differences in how PRPs are classified and regulated.

Ongoing research aims to determine optimal preparation methods, indications, and dosing, and to establish standardized reporting guidelines for PRPs.