Methodological Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews on Autologous Platelet Concentrates for the Treatment of Periodontal Defects

Objectives: Evaluation of the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) on the effectiveness of autologous platelet concentrates as an adjunct to regenerative procedures for the treatment of periodontal defects.

Material and methods: After a literature screening, eligible SRs were qualitatively assessed using 2 validated instruments: A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews checklist and Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire. The characteristics and findings of SRs were also reported.

Results: Ten SRs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. With A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews tool, SRs displayed a generally satisfying quality. Six SRs satisfied ≥8 items of 11 (high-quality score), and 4 were classified of medium quality (score 4-7). Using Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire instrument, more than half SRs (N = 6) satisfied ≥7 items of 9, resulting to be of high quality; 3 were classified as medium quality (4-6 criteria met); and only 1 of low quality (3 items satisfied). A significant correlation between the results of the 2 questionnaires was found (Spearman's r = 0.915, P = .0005).

Conclusions: SRs considered had an overall high methodological quality. However, some areas were not systematically addressed, like a thorough research strategy or publication bias assessment. Standard guidelines for designing, performing, and reporting SRs should always be followed. The use of platelet concentrates as an adjunct to periodontal surgery procedures may have beneficial effects for the treatment of periodontal defects.