Efficacy of Intramuscular Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Oral Antihistamines for Chronic Urticaria

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic form of urticaria (CU) consists of recurrent hives and itching that, to a large extent, disrupts the overall quality of life of patients. Though patients are prone to using antihistamines, this therapy may have ineffective results in the long run, and many people still feel discomfort. There is increasing interest in therapies based on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) because of the ability of PRP to promote regeneration and modulate immune activity, which may reduce inflammation.

Objective: The primary aim of the present study was to determine whether intramuscular PRP or oral antihistamines would be superior for symptom relief and quality of life improvement in chronic urticaria patients.

Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial conducted at Dermatology Department, PHI Clinic DHA Phase 3 Lahore, Pakistan, in the duration from 1^st November 2025 to 30^th April 2026, for patients ascertained to have chronic urticaria. It randomly assigned 60 such patients to receive PRP injections or oral antihistamines as an intervention. Patients’ outcomes were evaluated with the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) and the Quality of Life in Urticaria (QoLU) scale.

Results: Patients from the group that received PRP significantly had a better UAS7 and QoLU than patients who used antihistamines.

Conclusion: PRP therapy is found to be better than antihistamines in the management of chronic urticaria.