The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a novel nonsurgical treatment
of the female stress urinary incontinence: a prospective pilot study.
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of platelet rich plasma (PRP)
for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment. Design: Prospective
observational pilot study. Setting: Tertiary referral urogynecology unit
in Greece. Sample: Adult women with urodynamically confirmed SUI.
Methods: Twenty women met the inclusion criteria and attended
follow-ups. All participants underwent 2 PRP injections into the lower
one-third of the anterior vaginal wall at 4-6 week intervals. At
baseline they underwent urodynamic studies, a 1-hr pad test and
completed the ICIQ-FLUTS and KHQ questionnaires. At follow up visits
(1,3 and 6 months) patients underwent the 1hr-pad test and completed the
KHQ, ICIQ-FLUTS and PGI-I. Primary outcome was to evaluate
post-treatment SUI. Secondary outcomes included assessment of patient
reported questionnaires, assessment of urine loss (1hr-pad test) and the
level of discomfort during injections (VAS score). Statistical analysis
was performed before PRP and 1,3 and 6 months after the last treatment.
Results: A significant improvement of SUI symptoms was observed 3 months
after treatment with a further improvement at 6 months. A mean reduction
of 50.2% of urine loss was observed in the 1hr-pad test. At 6-month
follow-up 80.0% of women reported to be at least improved. No adverse
effects were observed. Conclusions: PRP injections were both effective
and safe 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. Funding: No funding to declare. Keywords: PRP; Stress
urinary incontinence; Minimally invasive treatment, Female Incontinec