ROLE OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA WITH AND WITHOUT ORAL LYCOPENE CAPSULES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS: A HOSPITAL-BASED COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma therapy with and without oral lycopene capsules in patients with oral submucous fibrosis. Study Design and Setting: This comparative quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Methodology: This comparative quasi-experimental study was carried out for six months (August 2025-January 2026). A total of 90 oral submucous fibrosis patients were selected and were subdivided into two groups, each with 45 patients. Group A was given platelet rich plasma therapy along with oral lycopene capsules and group B was given platelet rich plasma therapy. Platelet rich plasma was obtained from a two-step centrifugation process and injected into the lesions every two weeks for a maximum of 3 months. Group A patients were also given oral lycopene 8 mg twice a day for three months. Analysis of the data was done with SPSS version 26. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both groups were similar in terms of baseline demographics. Group A showed much better recovery in mouth opening during the 2nd week and onwards (p = 0.04) and higher rate of burning sensation reduction during the 2nd week (p = 0.02). Group A also recorded softening of fibrotic bands at earlier weeks, which attained significant differences at 3rd and 4th weeks (p =0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: PRP coupled with oral lycopene showed better results in increasing the mouth opening, reducing the burning sensation faster, and softening of the fibrotic bands.