Indications and contraindications to platelet-rich plasma injections in musculoskeletal diseases in case of infectious, oncological and haematological comorbidities: A 2025 formal consensus from the GRIIP (International Research Group on Platelet Injections)

Abstract

Purpose: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could be a vector for certain diseases, and its composition may vary by pathologic condition. The main comorbidities that could affect PRP composition are infectious, oncologic and haematologic. In addition to potential alteration of clinical response, these pathologies could have a significant impact on the local tolerance of PRP as well as a risk of disease dissemination to the injection site. To date, there are few specific recommendations related to these comorbidities to guide clinicians. Therefore, the International Research Group on Platelet Injections (GRIIP) supported a consensus project to develop these recommendations.

Methods: Following the 'recommendations by formal consensus' methodology, a steering committee performed a literature review and drafted an initial set of recommendations. They were evaluated by an international rating group (15 specialists in musculoskeletal [MSK] diseases, five haematologists, four oncologists, three infectiologists and four scientists specialising in platelet physiology). From this rating, the first set of recommendations was discussed in a plenary meeting and then modified by the steering committee. Finally, four overarching principles and 23 recommendations were re-evaluated by the rating group. Recommendations were classified as appropriate or not, with strong or relative agreement, or uncertain.

Results: From the 23 recommendations, 10 concerned infectious diseases (viral and bacterial infections; dialysis; immunosuppressive drugs; dental care…), five oncologic diseases (local tumour; cured, active or in remission cancer…) and eight haematologic diseases (cytopenia; cured, active or stabilised cured hemopathy; monoclonal gammopathy…). All were considered appropriate by the experts (median = 9; range = 8-9), with strong or relative agreement. Due to the paucity of literature data, the recommendations are mainly based on expert opinion (Grade D).

Conclusion: This consensus project provides four overarching principles and 23 recommendations related to contraindications of PRP injections in case of infectious, oncologic or hematologic diseases, validated by an international expert group.

Level of evidence: Level I.

Keywords: PRP; contraindications; formal consensus; musculoskeletal diseases; recommendations.