Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can platelet-rich plasma be helpful in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Hello, I’m Dr. Siddharth Tambar, an expert in rheumatology and regenerative medicine. A common question I receive from patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis is whether platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow concentrate which contains stem cells can be beneficial for their condition. We have literature and evidence in peer-reviewed studies that provide guidance on this topic.
A study conducted in Egypt in 2021 involved 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibiting mild to moderate disease activity despite ongoing treatment. They were divided them into two groups: one group received steroid injections in their active joints, while the other group received platelet-rich plasma injections. Patients who received steroid injections showed initial improvement for three months but returned to baseline disease activity after six months. In contrast, those who received platelet-rich plasma continued to improve throughout the six-month study period.
Study Insights and Personal Perspectives
The study concluded that platelet-rich plasma can be effective in patients with persistent mild to moderate disease activity who are also on medication.
It is worth noting that the dose of platelet-rich plasma used in the study was relatively low compared to standard concentrations, yet it still yielded positive results. In my practice, both platelet-rich plasma and treatments with bone marrow concentrate, which contains (or contain) stem cells have shown positive responses in patients with active arthritis. Bone marrow concentrate which contains stem cells, with higher concentrations of anti-inflammatory molecules, can be particularly effective. Patients on immunosuppressant medications have also responded well to regenerative treatments.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the study underscores the efficacy of orthobiologic treatments like PRP in managing rheumatoid arthritis. In my clinical experience this further supports the benefits of these treatments for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The study’s findings provide confidence to healthcare providers and patients alike, emphasizing the value of combining appropriate medications with regenerative therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
References
The Effects of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2022 Aug; 14(8): e28182.
Outcome of PRP Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Orthopedics and Rheumatology. Vol 19, Issue 3- January 2022.