Homologous platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of knee involvement in primary Sjögrens syndrome

Abstract

Primary Sjögrens syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth, and other clinical manifestations. The most common extraglandular manifestation of pSS is articular involvement and to date their management is unclear. The aims of the current pilot study were to assess the safety and the outcomes of homologous platelet-rich plasma (HPRP) injections in pSS cohort affected by knee arthralgia/arthritis at short-term follow up. This pilot study provides the first evidence that HPRP injections are a safe treatment and induce a short-term clinical improvement. Although the lack of a control group, randomization and long-term follow up prevents the assessment of the real effectiveness of this treatment, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the mechanism of action, biological changes and disease-modifying properties of PRP.