February 9, 2023
Comparison of the short-term clinical effectiveness of 5% dextrose water, platelet rich plasma and corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Objective
To compare the short-term effectiveness of corticosteroids, 5% dextrose(D5W), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Data sources
Four databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Web of Science (WOS)) were researched from inception to the 1st of April 2022.
Study selection
Two authors independently screened the literature to identify the RCTs meeting the included criteria, which involved comparing corticosteroid, 5% dextrose water (D5W), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection with each other or placebo-controlled for treating CTS.
Data extraction
The two reviewers independently conducted information extraction, the outcomes included were the changes in Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Function Status Scale (FSS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at short-term follow-up after drug injection treatment and any adverse events reported.
Data synthesis
Twelve randomized controlled trials with 749patients (817 hands) were included. The results of this study suggested that PRP injection was the most likely to relieve symptoms, improve functions and alleviate pain, with the SUCRA being 91.5%, 92.7%, and 80.8%, respectively, followed by D5W injection (74.4%, 72.2%, 72.1%), and corticosteroid injection (33.7%, 31.9%, 46.2%). The injection of three drugs was significantly better than that of a placebo.
Conclusion
From the results of the network meta-analysis, PRP injection is the most recommended treatment among the injection of corticosteroid, D5W, and PRP.
The protocol of this network meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42022325228.
