Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Persistent Olfactory Impairment After COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact of topical platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on persistent refractory olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19 infection. Methods A systematic review was conducted, focusing on studies that compared the efficacy of topical PRP treatment with a control group (receiving either placebo or no treatment) in ameliorating olfactory dysfunction. Pre- and post-treatment comparisons were evaluated, along with a subgroup analysis of olfactory function evaluation. Results The analysis revealed a significant improvement in olfactory scores between 1 to 3 months post-treatment (standardized mean difference=1.4376; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.5934–2.2818; I2=84.1%) in the treatment group compared to the control group. Moreover, a notable disparity was observed between the two groups in the incidence of substantial recovery from anosmia or hyposmia (odds ratio=8.6639; 95% CI=2.9752–25.2292; I2=0.0%). PRP treatment led to a clinically significant increase in the threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) score for the Sniffin’ Sticks test by >5.5 (minimum clinically significant difference; mean difference, 6.3494; 95% CI=4.0605–8.6384; I2=0.0%), as confirmed by verified examinations. The odds ratio for significant improvement among patients after treatment was determined to be 0.7654 (95% CI=0.6612–0.8451). Furthermore, all TDI subdomains exhibited significant and comparable improvements post-treatment. Conclusion This meta-analysis indicates that the injection of PRP into the olfactory fissure or surrounding mucosal areas is an effective treatment for persistent refractory olfactory dysfunction.

Keywords

• anosmia
• smell
• platelet-rich plasma
• outcome assessment
• health care
• meta-analysis