Platelet-rich plasma for intra-articular injections: preclinical and clinical evidence
In regards to the safety and efficacy elements of the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), there is a lot of data in vitro and pre-clinical in vivo studies to support that PRP is used globally in medical clinics with some remarkable results, especially for the treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA).
There still remains a lot of uncertainty as to which is the best PRP kit, however in general there are some very promising clinical studies to support the benefits of using PRP. In orthopaedics, the studies show that patients are seeing improvement with their movement and also a reduction in pain for up to 12 months.
What this means for aesthetic nurses
Although PRP is still being researched, there is evidence that it can be applied in a wide range of aesthetic and medical treatments. Recently, it has been proven to be helpful for the treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis, for example. Watch this space in JAN for more PRP-related news.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of individual experiences post botulinum toxin injection—United Kingdom Survey
Any issue or complications that have occurred in the UK following injections of Botulinum Toxin are encouraged to be reported to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via their Yellow Card Reporting Scheme.
In the last 10 years there has been a surge in the number of non-surgical aesthetic procedures. There are concerns that the MHRA are not fully documenting these complications in terms of volume and the impact it has on patients.
The aim of this study was to look at the experiences of those patients who have undergone botulinum toxin treatments and have experienced an adverse event.
To conduct this study, the authors used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. They analysed the data that was associated with any long term physical, psychological, emotional, and financial injury that these complications may have had. There was also a focus group which had several patient representatives, psychologists, and researchers. They compiled a 17-question survey which was sent out via social media platforms.
A total of 655 responses were included in this study. The average age of these patients was 42.6 years old and 94.1% of these identified as female.
The findings of this study showed that 79% of those patients had reported an adverse event following their treatment. Anxiety was the most commonly reported. Additionally 69% of patients had reported a longer lasting adverse effect and 68.4% of patients had reported that they had not recovered physically from these adverse events. In addition, 63.5% of participants said that they had not recovered emotionally from their complications and 61.7% said that they had not recovered psychologically. What was interesting was that 84% of these participants did not know who regulates the aesthetics industry. 92% of participants also stated that neither the clinic or practitioner they had treatment with advised them about the Yellow Card Reporting Scheme.
To date in the UK, this is the largest survey that has been completed by patients who have experienced an adverse event from Botulinum Toxin.
In conclusion, the authors have stated that their study has highlighted challenges and issues that patients who have experienced adverse events from physical, emotional, psychological, and financial perspectives have faced. They also state that there appears to be a lack of awareness regarding the MHRA, the reporting structures in place and the lack of regulation within the UK's cosmetic sector.
What this means for aesthetic nurses
One of the greatest concerns of any practitioner is complications. As mentioned in this roundup, any issue or complication of injections of Botulinum Toxin that occured in the UK should be reported to the Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via their Yellow Card Reporting Scheme. Learning how to deal with complications is necessary; keep up with JAN to learn about how other nurses have been managing this issue in their practice.
Comparison of polynucleotide, sodium hyaluronate and crosslinked sodium hyaluronate for the management of painful knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of sodium polynucleotide, classic hyaluronic acid and crosslinked hyaluronic acid for the management of osteoarthritis in the knee.
To conduct this trial, a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial took place. Included in this study were patients who suffered with chronic painful knee osteoarthritis.
A total of 90 patients were included in this study and were randomly put into one of three groups. A polynucleotide group, a classic hyaluronic acid group and a cross-linked hyaluronic acid group.
Each of these participants had intra-articular injections of the viscosupplement for their random group. They each had three injections with oneweek intervals.
The main finding was the improvement in patients weight-bearing pain levels followed by changes in the intensity of their knee pain during weight-bearing, walking, and rest.
Following a review at 16 weeks, it was noted that the polynucleotide group showed a much higher reduction in pain levels.
In conclusion, the authors have concluded that Polynucleotides has the potential to greatly reduce pain levels at a quicker rate in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
What this means for aesthetic nurses
Polynucleotides are useful not only in aesthetics but also in other areas of medicine as well, such as knee osteoarthritis.
Intralabial lip compartments and their potential clinical relevance
Dermal filler injections for lip augmentation is a hugely popular treatment globally. When cannulas are used to inject the lip, resistance is thought to be in specific areas potentially indicating boundaries between intralabial compartments.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether intra-labial compartments exist and to describe their volumes, location, boundaries, and dimensions.
To carry out this study, the authors conducted a cadaveric study with 20 human donors. 13 of these were males and 7 were females. The average age at death of 61.9 years. Also in this cohort there were 11 Caucasians, 8 Asians and 1 African American donor. In each of these donors, dye injections were injected into the lips.
The results showed that there were 6 anterior and 6 posterior compartments in the upper and lower lip for a total of 24 lip compartments. The authors note that volume and the size of each of the 24 compartments contribute to the appearance and shape of the lips.
In conclusion, the authors consider that to create a natural lip-shape it may be necessary to administer the product using a compartment-respecting injection approach.
What this means for aesthetic nurses
For lip injections, evaluate the importance of administering the product using a compartment-respecting injection approach.