Complications of PRP; Dangers of PRP

PRP injections have been used in many areas of medicine for years.

PRP is commonly used for sports injuries of joints and has now become the standard treatment for tendinitis and even rotator cuff repair, being recommended before trying surgery. 

In Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, we are seeing PRP injection of the meibomian glands as a good option to help bring back meibomian glands structure and function.

PRP injections, though, such as in PRP injections into joints, may not be a perfect cure. In many cases, MGD is a chronic disease which will continue to worsen with aging. We await to see how long the effect of PRP injection into the Meibomian glands will last. So far, we have had good results in the three patients who have had PRP injection into the Meibomian glands. 

Currently we have had no side effects of PRP injections into the Meibomian glands. There have been no worsening of gland structure on meibography. None have had pain or styes after injection. No one has had an infection.

From the sports literature, here is a list of  Possible Side Effects of PRP Injection:

There can be side effects after PRP injection into the joints, and some significant. Here are the most common in the sports literature.

Pain in the Injured Area

Some people complain about an acute ache or soreness in the spot of the injection. Sometimes this pain is even felt deep inside the area, whether in the muscle or bone.

Infection

No infections have been reported after PRP injections into joints thus far. 

No Improvement in Injured Area

Not all athletes respond to a PRP injection. Sometimes the original pain and soreness of the injury remains, even after an extended rest period after the PRP therapy; surgery may still be needed.

Allergic Reaction

It is rare to have an allergic reaction to your own blood factors, but has been reported. 

Blood Clot

Normally, a blood clot forms when there is damage to the lining of a blood vessel, like with a cut. Because a PRP injection uses a needle there is a chance that a artery or vein could be damaged. If that happens a blood clot occurs and is treated like any normal clot.

Skin Discoloration

Sometimes the color around the skin of a PRP injection will appear bruised. This could be normal, based upon your history of bruising. But if it is an unusual deep and dark bruise, or you simply don’t bruise easily, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

In fact, if you experience any of the above side effects after a PRP injection contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Reference:

http://uscenterforsportsmedicine.com/what-are-the-side-effects-of-platelet-rich-plasma-therapy/