The Usefulness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Treatment of Vitiligo: State of the Art and Review

Abstract

Introduction

Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic disorder clinically characterized by amelanotic lesions on the skin which cause significant impairment of patients’ quality of life. A variety of treatments have been proposed, with inconsistent results. In the last decades, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is receiving increasing interest as a potential effective technique in the treatment of several dermatological diseases, including vitiligo.

Objective

We conducted a review with the aim to identify studies that documented the use of PRP for vitiligo.

Materials and Methods

Electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to November 2019 have been searched using different combinations of the following terms: “platelet-rich plasma”, “platelet gel”, “platelet-rich fibrin”, “PRP” and “vitiligo”.

Results

We identified 6 clinical studies consistent with our research, with a total of 253 patients, listing and discussing the obtained results. In all reports, all treated patients showed a stable vitiligo, and a significantly higher improvement in the PRP groups was always observed compared to control groups. Regarding the side effects, PRP in vitiligo patients is useful and without important side effects.

Conclusion

PRP is a promising treatment for stable vitiligo lesions in different body sites. The possible use of PRP in combination with traditional therapeutic options and the standardization of processing protocols represents a very fertile field for future research. Larger clinical trials with longer time of observation would provide solid evidence regarding the effectiveness of PRP for the treatment of vitiligo.

Keywords:

• vitiligo
• skin
• platlet rich plasma
• PRP
• treatment

Introduction

Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic disorder clinically characterized by amelanotic lesions on the skin, due to destruction and subsequent absence of melanocytes.¹ The prevalence of vitiligo is between 0.4% and 4%, with a positive familiar history in about 30% of cases.^2,3 Although vitiligo is not a life-threatening disorder, about 1/3 of patients with vitiligo suffers from psychological disorders, with significant impairment of quality of life.² Accordingly, several efforts should be made in order to identify appropriate and effective treatments.

The cause of vitiligo is not yet fully understood.³ Several hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of the disease exist, although none has been confirmed as the main one. These main hypotheses include autoimmune hypothesis, neural hypothesis, self-destruct hypothesis and biochemical hypothesis³ Based on each of these hypotheses, various treatments have been developed in the last decades, in order to increase the therapeutic success, reducing relapses and improving patients’ quality of life.³ Corticosteroid, calcineurin inhibitors and 308 nm-excimer laser play a role in active and localized disease, inducing immunosuppression; photo-chemotherapy, UVB phototherapy and narrowband UVB phototherapy are also other valid treatments for generalized vitiligo.⁴ While surgery techniques are mainly based on autologous transplanting of melanocytes.^1,5 However, despite the presence of several therapeutic options, all these therapeutic modalities show limited responses.³

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is an increased concentration of autologous platelets suspended in a small amount of plasma, after centrifugation.^6,7 The production of PRP starts with the collection of 10–60 mL venous blood, the same day of the treatment. Before the centrifugation, anticoagulants are usually added to prevent coagulation and premature secretion of alpha granules.⁷ According to their cell content and fibrin architecture, up to date, the are four different types of PRP preparation: I) Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma, a leucocyte-poor PRP with low-density fibrin network after activation; II) Leucocyte-PRP, a leucocyte-rich PRP with low-density fibrin network; III) Pure Platelet-Rich Fibrin, a leucocyte-poor PRP with high-density fibrin network; IV) Leucocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin, a leucocyte-rich PRP with high-density fibrin network.^8,9

Through the secretion of platelet’s alpha granules, PRP increases the release of growth factors, adhesion molecules and chemokines, which interacting with the local environment, promotes cell differentiation, proliferation and regeneration.⁷ (Figure 1) The main platelet growth factors secreted are: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) a-b, transforming growth factor (TGF), alpha-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).⁸ Usually, the active secretion of these growth factors by platelets begins within 10 min after activation.^8,10

Figure 1 Effects of PRP on growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory mediators and modulators.

Moreover, PRP promotes the release of inflammatory mediators and modulators. Indeed, platelets may release numerous anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor (sTNF-R) I, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and interferon γ.¹¹

To date, no standard protocols regarding PRP preparation exist. Published studies report variations in processing, such as the number of centrifugations or compounds added (Table 1), which make it difficult to compare results from different clinical studies. In this regard, randomized, comparative clinical trials are needed in order to establish the recommended processing protocol.

Table 1 Relevant Results Achieved from Studies Included in the Review

Author (year); Study Design	No of Patients	Patients’ Characteristics	Intervention	PRP Preparation	Outcome Evaluation	Results	Follow-Up (Months)	Histopathological Evaluation	Side Effects
Ibrahim et al^Citation12 (2016); open-label, split-side, controlled study	60	Symmetrical stable vitiligo	Twice a week NB-UVB vs with NB-UVB plus intradermal injection of P-PRP every 2 weeks for 4 months or resolution	10–20 mL of blood with sodium citrate (10:1); 1st spin 3000 rpm 3 7 min; 2nd spin 4000 rpm 3 5 min; activator 0.1 mL CaCl2 for each 1 mL of activated autologous P-PRP	Percentage of repigmentation (excellent: >75 to 100%, good: >50% to 75%, moderate: >25% to 50%; mild: <25%)	Significantly higher improvement in the PRP group compared to controls.	12	H&E S100 HMB45	Pain during injection (50%); ecchymosis (15%)
Abdelghani et al^Citation13 (2017); prospective, randomized, comparative	80	Localized,stable nonsegmental vitiligo	4 sessions of Fr:CO2 with 2-weeks interval vs 4 sessions of autologous intradermal PRP injections with 3-weeks interval vs combined Fr:CO2 laser vs PRP vs combined Fr: CO2 laser and 8 NB-UVB sessions.	20 mL of blood with sodium citrate (3.2%); 1st spin 252 g for 10 min; 2nd spin 448 g for 10 min	5-points scale (grade 0 no repigmentation; grade 1 1%-5%; grade 2 6%-25%; grade 3 26%-50%; grade 4 51%-75%; grade 5 76–100%); 10-point visual analog scale.	Significantly higher improvement in the Fr:CO2 combined with PRP group.	3	NR	Erythema resolving after 24h of treatment (Fr:CO2 and NB-UVB group)
Kadry et al^Citation14 (2018); prospective, randomized, intrapatient, comparative controlled	30	Stable vitiligo (mean duration: 12 months)	Six treatment sessions with 2-weeks interval. 4 groups: PRP vs Fr: CO2 vs Combined Fr: CO2 with PRP vs controls	8 mL of blood,1st spin 1500 rpm 5 min;	Vitiligo analysis by computer-assisted grid (VACAG); Mean improvement score by physician (MISP); Patient’s satisfaction (10-point VAS)	Dramatic decrease of lesions in the combined Fr: CO2 with PRP group; moderate improvement in the PRP group		HMB45	Pain (33.3%)
Garg et al^Citation15 (2019); non-comparative, non-randomized	10	Stable vitiligo, segmental or vulgaris type	Laser ablation on recipient area with PRP—enriched epidermal suspension transplant (LA-PEEST).	10 mL of blood with 1.5 mL of acid citrate dextrose formula A; 1st spin 3.200 rpm for 4 min	Digital image analysis	60% of lesions showed excellent response (including leucotrichia)	6	NR	Mottled repigmentation (0.1%); color mismatch (0,1%)
Parambath et al^Citation1 (2019); double-blind, intrapatient split-side, randomized,controlled	21	Stable vitiligo, segmental and non-segmental refractory to treatment with NB-UVB or topical or oral PUVAsol	Noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) suspended in PRP vs NCES suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS)	Anticoagulated blood; 1st spin 900 g for 12 min; 2nd spin 1000 g for 7 min.	Blinded physician assessment by serial photographs, patient’s assessment by visual analogue scale (VAS); point counting method	Significantly higher improvement in the PRP arm compared to non-PRP arm.	6	NR	Hypopigmentation at donor site (71.4%)
Khattab et al^Citation16 (2019); prospective, comparative study	52	Stable, non-segmental symmetrical vitiligo	4 sessions of PRP with 3 weeks interval combined with 32 sessions of excimer laser vs laser excimer only	25 mL of blood with trisodium citrate; 1st spin 150–200 g for 10 min; 2nd spin 1500–2000 for 15 min	Percentage of repigmentation (excellent: >75 to 100%, good: >50% to 75%, moderate: >25% to 50%; mild: <25%); Patient’s assessment by visual analogue scale (VAS)	Significantly higher improvement in the PRP+laser group.	3	H&E HMB45	Pain (23%) in PRP+laser group; transient erythema (15.4%) in the laser only group

The aim of this review is to evaluate the usefulness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the treatment of vitiligo, since the interest in this new treatment is growing among the therapeutic options for vitiligo.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a review to identify studies that documented the use of PRP for vitiligo. All type of study, in English language, was considered eligible for this review, including case reports and case series. The main search was conducted in the electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to November 2019 using different combinations of the following terms: “platelet-rich plasma”, “platelet gel”, “platelet-rich fibrin”, “PRP” and “vitiligo”. Additionally, we concluded the manual search by reviewing all the relevant citations within the identified articles.

Results

We herewith summarize the obtained results, taking into account study design, number of enrolled patients, vitiligo characteristics, type of intervention, PRP preparation process, outcome evaluation score, time of follow-up, histopathological evaluation and reported side effects (Table 1).

Specifically, six clinical studies regarding the use of PRP in vitiligo have been identified, with a total of 253 patients.^1,12-16 The mean time of follow-up of treated patients was 6 months (ranging between 3 and 12 months).^1,12-16 In all reports,^1,12-16 all treated patients showed a stable vitiligo, and a significantly higher improvement in the PRP groups was always observed compared to control groups, regardless of the combined treatment associated with PRP.^1,12-16 Regarding the side effects, PRP in vitiligo patients is safe, without important and specific side effects.^1,12-16 Pain at the injection site was the main side effect, although it can be avoided applying 45–60 minutes before the injection of an anesthetic cream.¹⁶ Besides, in order to avoid local superinfection, topical antibiotics can be used 3 days after injection.¹⁶ Ecchymosis in the site of injection may occur.¹⁴ Ejjiyar et al reported the onset of Koebner’s phenomenon in a female patient phototype IV with the onset of facial non-segmental vitiligo after the third injection of PRP, for aesthetic purposes.¹⁷

Discussion

Ibrahim et al evaluated the effect of PRP on the outcome of short-term NB-UVB therapy for patients with stable vitiligo.¹² The authors enrolled 60 patients (26M:34F; mean age of 28), with symmetrical stable lesions. For each patient, the left side of the body was treated with NB-UVB alone, while the right side was treated with NB-UVB therapy in addition to intradermal injection of PRP.¹² In order to evaluate the response, the authors performed a score, as follows: >75% to 100% (excellent); between 50% and 75% (good); between 25% and 50% (moderate) and <25% (mild).¹² After 3 months, two independent dermatologists evaluated the patients, reporting an excellent response in 55% of the lesions treated with PRP (p<0.01).¹² Besides after 7 months of follow-up in the treated lesions, there was no relapse, contrariwise to the control side.¹² Finally, histological analysis confirmed the increase in the number of melanocytes in treated lesions.¹²

Abdelghani et al evaluated a combined treatment with fractional carbon dioxide laser, autologous PRP and narrowband ultraviolet B in different body sites, in 80 patients with vitiligo for 12 months.¹³ Specifically, the patients were randomly categorized in four different groups: fractional CO2 laser group, PRP group, combined fractional CO2 laser + PRP and combined fractional CO2 laser + NB-UVB.¹³ Patients included in combined fractional CO2 laser + PRP reached the best results regarding repigmentation; specifically 60% of the patients developed a repigmentation >50% and 40% of patients developed a repigmentation >75%.¹³

Kadry et al evaluated PRP versus fractional CO2 laser and combined fractional CO2 laser + PRP, followed by sun exposure for the treatment of stable no segmental vitiligo in 30 patients (22F:8M; mean age of 32 years).¹⁴ Intrapatient lesions were randomly divided into 4 different groups: PRP group, combined fractional CO2 laser + PRP, fractional CO2 laser group and control group.¹⁴ Subsequently, all patients have been evaluated according to vitiligo analysis by computer-assisted grid (VACAG), mean improvement score by physician (MISP) and visual analogic scale (VAS).¹⁴ Patients included in the combined fractional CO2 laser + PRP group and patients included in the PRP group showed a significant improvement compared to the other treatments (p<0.001)¹⁴ Also histology revealed a prominent repigmentation, confirmed also by HMB45.¹⁴

Garg et al evaluated the extent of repigmentation with non-cultured trypsinized fragmented epidermal suspension using PRP and pixel erbium yttrium aluminium garnet laser for ablation of recipient areas in 10 patients with stable vitiligo.¹⁵ The authors found an excellent response in 60% of patients; the repigmentation was higher in the legs, knees, face and neck, as well as an improvement of leucotrichia was found.¹⁵

In another study, Parambath et al compared the extent of repigmentation achieved by transplantation of no-cultured epidermal cell suspension (NCES) suspended in PRP and NCES suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), in 21 patients (13F:8M; mean age of 23.1) with stable vitiligo, characterized by at least two lesions of comparable size.¹ Subsequently, after 1 week, the patients performed heliotherapy for 15 minutes, daily.¹ After 6 months of follow-up, the repigmentation in treated areas with PRP was 75.6%, while it was 65% in non-treated areas with PRP (p = 0.0036).

Recently, Khattab et al included in a study of 52 patients (8M:44F), with stable, no segmental and symmetrical vitiligo, randomized in two different groups in order to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment with combined excimer laser and PRP.¹⁶ Specifically, in the first group, the patients were treated with intradermal PRP injection and excimer laser (PRP after excimer laser every 3 weeks for a total of six sessions of PRP), while in the second group, the patients were treated with only excimer laser. A better response was reached in the first group, also according to VAS score.¹⁶

Conclusions

PRP is a well-tolerated agent, recently receiving increasing attention by the medical community for its potential use in several dermatological conditions, including vitiligo. Literature confirms PRP as a safe and promising treatment for stable vitiligo lesions in different body sites, above all when PRP is combined with other physical procedures, such as fractional carbon dioxide laser. Four-six sessions, with 2–3-week interval are needed in order to obtain clinically significant results. However, the lack of consensus regarding preparation methods, it makes difficult to compare results from different clinical studies. Larger clinical trials with longer time of observation and the standardization of processing protocols represent a very fertile field for future research about the effectiveness of PRP for the treatment of vitiligo.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Mrs Giada Moffa and Mrs Caterina Prezioso for their significant contribution to this paper.