A Study on the Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Erosive Lesions of Oral Cavity

Abstract

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhances the recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation of cells involved in tissue regeneration. Platelets contain a number of growth factors (GFs) including platelet-derived GFs and transforming GF which stimulate the proliferation of mesenchymal cells and vascular endothelial GFs and fibroblast GF which stimulate new blood vessel formation. This study evaluates the efficacy of intralesional injection of PRP in erosive lesions of the oral cavity. Five patients who attended the dental outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital were selected irrespective of age and sex diagnosed with erosive lichen planus, pemphigus, and three with desquamative gingivitis. Initial assessment including blood investigations and evaluation of extent, severity, activity, and pain was done. Autologous was prepared from 30 milliliters of whole blood collected into a 350 ml blood collection bag after modifying the anticoagulant to whole blood ratio. A soft spin followed by a hard spin in Thermo Scientific™ Heraeus™ Cryofuge™ was used for PRP preparation. On the same day, 0.5 mL PRP was directly injected onto the base and edge of the erosions using a 31 gauge needle. Patients were followed up and evaluated weekly. In pemphigus and desquamative gingivitis, PRP therapy relieved pain, burning sensation, and bleeding which was proven from Visual Analog Scale score and severity score. No adverse reactions were noted in patients. Autologous PRP poses no risk of allergic reaction and natural collagen is formed in response to the presence of activated platelets. The use of PRP is safe, efficient, and economic. The inability to prevent recurrent lesions and the inability to heal the lesion completely are the major drawbacks.

Keywords

• autologous
• oral lesions
• platelet
• platelet-rich plasma