The Use of Platelet-rich Plasma as a Novel Nonsurgical Treatment of the Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Pilot Study. Issue 11 (15th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Athanasiou, Stavros; Kalantzis, Christos; Zacharakis, Dimitrios; Kathopoulis, Nikolaos; Pontikaki, Artemis; Grigoriadis, Themistoklis
• Is Part Of: Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery. Volume 27:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: e668
• Page End: e672
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15
• Subjects: PRP -- stress urinary incontinence -- minimally invasive treatment, female incontinence; Pelvis -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Pelvis -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female -- surgery -- Periodicals; Urologic Diseases -- surgery -- Periodicals; Colonic Diseases -- surgery -- Periodicals; Rectal Diseases -- surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- methods -- Periodicals; 616.6
• DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2151-8378

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: This was a prospective observational pilot study conducted in a tertiary referral unit, enrolling women with SUI booked for SUI surgery. A total of 20 consecutive women met the inclusion criteria and attended all follow-ups. All participants underwent 2 PRP injections into the lower one third of the anterior vaginal wall at 4- to 6-week intervals. At baseline, they underwent urodynamic studies, a 1-hour pad test, and completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and King's Health Questionnaire. At follow-up visits (1, 3, and 6 months), patients underwent the 1-hour pad test and completed the King's Health Questionnaire, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, and Patient Global Impression Scale of Improvement. Primary outcome was to evaluate posttreatment SUI. Secondary outcomes included assessment of patient-reported questionnaires, assessment of urine loss (1-hour pad test), and the level of discomfort during injections (visual analog scale score). Statistical analysis was performed before PRP and 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment. Results: A significant improvement in SUI symptoms was observed 3 months after treatment with a further improvement at 6 months. A mean reduction of 50.2% in urine loss was observed in the 1-hour pad test. At the 6-month follow-up, 80.0% of women reported to be at least improved. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma injections were both effective and safe at least in the short term and could be offered as an alternative outpatient procedure for the treatment of SUI. However, these encouraging findings warrant further investigation with randomized controlled trials.