(117) Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Effective and Safe for Managing Erectile Dysfunction? A Meta-Analysis of Before-After Data from Clinical Studies

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common health issues among men with increasing prevalence along with age. With the advancement of technology, the aim of therapy for ED is start to shift in reversing the pathology and not only relieving the symptoms. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are one of the regenerative modalities that has gained popularity in many medical disciplines. Many studies have been conducted that favour PRP in improving erectile function. However, no relevant meta-analysis of PRP have been performed to date. A single-arm meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the outcome of PRP for the treatment of ED based on the data before and after the procedures. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus in June 2023 to find the relevant articles based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis statement. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational, and case control studies in English with 10 or more subjects and a minimum of 1 month follow-up after PRP treatment reporting International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) score were included. Pooled analysis on outcomes that were reported in at least 2 studies were performed using RevMan 5.4 and STATA18 with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also conduct heterogeneity test and a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. A total of three RCTs, three observational studies and one case-control study, comprising 236 patients, were included from 183 studies identified. The pooled analysis showed that PRP injection significantly increased the IIEF-EF score by 3.87 (95% CI: 2.92, 4.83, p<0.00001), 3.01 (95% CI: 2.27, 3.74, p<0.0001), 3.29 (95% CI: 2.26, 4.32, p<0.00001), at 1, 3, and 6, months follow-up. Subgroup analysis of IIEF-EF based on the use of PDE5i in the protocol or during follow-up period also found the same finding result. The proportion of patient who met MCID after 6 months of follow of was 70% (95% CI: 59%, 80%). In term of penile hemodynamic, a significant improvement was found in peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity at the end-point of follow-up. On contrary, there was no significant improvement were found for IIEF score of intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction domain. The most common complication reported were transient subcutaneous bruising. Two cases reported a formation of painless plaque but no other major adverse events were reported. Consistent result was found after a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. PRP is a promising restorative modality for ED with improvement in IIEF-EF score and penile hemodynamic. However, further studies and human trials are required to confirm the efficacy and durability of this novel treatment as well as to find out the best protocol of administration. No.