Matava MJ Platelet-rich plasma: the next big thing?: commentary on an article by Ujash Sheth, BHSc, et al.: "Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma use for orthopaedic indications: a meta-analysis". J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012 Feb 15;94(4):e25. doi:
Patel S, Dhillon MS, Aggarwal S, Marwaha N, Jain A Treatment with platelet-rich plasma is more effective than placebo for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Feb;41(2):356-64. doi: 10.1177/03635465124
Spaková T, Rosocha J, Lacko M, Harvanová D, Gharaibeh A Treatment of knee joint osteoarthritis with autologous platelet-rich plasma in comparison with hyaluronic acid. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012 May;91(5):411-7. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3182aab72.
The Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Osteoarthritis of Knee
Interventional studies are often prospective and are specifically tailored to evaluate direct impacts of treatment or preventive measures on disease.
Observational studies are often retrospective and are used to assess potential causation in exposure-outcome relationships and therefore influence preventive methods.
Expanded access is a means by which manufacturers make investigational new drugs available, under certain circumstances, to treat a patient(s) with a serious disease or condition who cannot participate in a controlled clinical trial.
Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.
Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.
