Abstract: Equine joint disease including septic arthritis (SA) and osteoarthritis (OA) is a critical cause of equine lameness. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most popular regenerative therapies to treat equine OA, even SA, but the evidence in support of the treatment is conflicting. Objective: The aim of the study was to systematically review the current evidence on PRP products used for SA and OA, as well as the efficacy of PRP products as treatment for OA on the basis of a meta-analysis of the available literature. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of relevant databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) was performed to identify studies published from 2013 to 2023, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised trials and controlled laboratory studies that used at least one type of PRP products were included. Dichotomous outcomes were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: A total of 21 publications were identified in the systematic review and 5 of them in the meta-analysis. These publications involved various types of PRP products and reported different outcomes. Although most of the studies were associated with a high risk of bias, the overall estimated effect was consistent with a significant improvement in the PRP products treatment group compared with the control group (OR: 15.32; 95% CI: 3.00-78.15; p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in clinical performance outcomes between the groups (OR: 36.64; 95% CI: 3.69-364.30; p < 0.05). Conclusions: PRP products as intra-articular treatment are likely efficacious for treatment of equine OA and have potential for treating SA. These conclusions might be affected by the limited number of randomised controlled studies and high variability of different types of PRP products. To better evaluate the efficacy of PRP, a widely recognised classification system and the utilisation of randomised, blinded, equivalency or non-inferiority trials are required.
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This research explores the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies in treating horse joint diseases like septic arthritis (SA) and osteoarthritis (OA), drawing from a plethora of studies and analysing their published results.
Overview of the Study
This study embarked on a rigorous and systematic investigation into previous research conducted on the use of PRP therapies in addressing equine joint diseases, specifically septic arthritis (SA) and osteoarthritis (OA).
The researchers’ objective was to assess the available evidence on the use and efficacy of PRP products for SA and OA.
Methodology
A thorough search through specific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was undertaken to identify studies done from 2013 to 2023.
The adopted approach for fishing out essential studies was in line with the PRISMA guidelines.
The investigation examined various studies, including randomised controlled trials, non-randomised trials, and controlled laboratory studies that used at least one type of PRP product.
Data obtained through these studies were carefully categorised and evaluated based on odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
Results
A total of 21 publications relating to PRP use in equine joint diseases were identified and thoroughly reviewed, with 5 meeting the criteria for inclusion in the final meta-analysis.
The studies encompassed a variety of PRP products and reported diverse outcomes.
Despite the perceived high risk of bias in many of the studies, the cumulative effect hinted at a possible improvement in the treatment group that used PRP products when compared with the control group.
Specifically, the utilisation of PRP therapies showed significant improvement in horses’ clinical performance outcomes.
Conclusions
The researchers concluded that PRP products, when administered intra-articularly, are likely efficacious in the treatment of equine OA and could also have potential benefits for treating SA.
However, they cautioned that these conclusions could be influenced by the limited number of randomised controlled studies reviewed and the wide variability of different types of PRP products.
Therefore, they recommend adopting a universally accepted classification system and engaging in more randomised, blinded, equivalency or non-inferiority trials to better evaluate the efficacy of PRP.
Cite This Article
APA
Peng C, Yang L, Labens R, Gao Y, Zhu Y, Li J.
(2024).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma products for treatment of equine joint disease.
Equine Vet J, 56(5), 858-869.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14042
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