Clinical effects of platelet rich plasma on random cutaneous flaps R. A. Quintana, J. A. S. Ortiz, S. R. L. Pérez

Cir Plast 2007: 17: 150–154

This article reported a study of tissue regeneration using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on random skin flaps. Viability, effects on cellularity and neovascularity were determined by histological analyses. Dermal flaps with ratio 1:5 were made on the dorsal skin of 16 Guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus ), which were divided equally into two groups. PRP was applied randomly on the bed of the flap in one group, while saline solution (SS) was applied to the flaps of the other group. The viability of the flaps was determined clinically 14 days later and they were then resected and assessed under microscope. The PRP group exhibited greater percentage of viability (69%) versus the SS group (41%) with statistical significance ( p = 0.04). The PRP group when compared with SS group presented a significant decrease in macrophages ( p = 0.03), lymphocytes ( p = 0.001), plasma cells ( p = 0.02), as well as a significant increase in fibroblasts ( p = 0.001) and collagen ( p = 0.038). However, no significant changes in inflammation or neo-vascularization were observed.

The authors concluded that PRP improves the survival of random skin flaps, as well as fibroblast migration and collagen production.

MARIO GABRIELLI