Autologous platelet concentrates as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the possible additional clinical benefit from autologous platelet concentrate (APC) treatment adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).MethodsElectronic (MEDLINE/Embase/Cochrane/MedNar/CORE) and hand searches were conducted. Following studies selection, evidence tables were formed, and meta-analyses were performed for the following outcomes: probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023514388).ResultsAfter de-duplication, the initial search yielded 194 citations, from which ten papers were eligible for quantitative synthesis. The APC group comprised 270 patients, while the control group included 230. The meta-analysis revealed that a single APC application resulted in a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.62; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.22) and 0.8 mm more CAL gain (MD = -0.77; 95% CI: -1.18, -0.37) at the 6-12 weeks follow-up. At six months, the APC group exhibited a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.61; 95% CI: -1.13, -0.09) and 1.1 mm more CAL gain (MD = -1.14; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.34) compared to the NSPT only group. In contrast, BoP indices did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups after 6-12 weeks (MD = -10.54; 95% CI: -25.21, 4.14). High heterogeneity and unclear to high risk of bias were detected.ConclusionOver six months, the adjunctive APC use appears to provide additional benefits in PPD reduction and CAL gain compared to NSPT alone.Clinical relevanceThe adjunctive use of APCs seems to promote further improvements in clinical outcomes following NSPT.