Effect of platelet-rich plasma on flap graft survival

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on flap graft survival. Methods Two random skin flaps were elevated on the back of the rabbits with spinal symmetry in fifteen healthy rabbits. We selected randomly one side as PRP side, another side as blank control side. And then the autologous PRP was daubed to the basement of the skin flap in PRP side, while the blank control side was treated with normal saline of the same volume. At 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d after the surgical operation, the immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the microvessel density by CD34, and the the flap graft survival rate was tested and the histological changes of the flaps were observed by HE staining. Results The survival rates of skin flap graft were that the PRP side in 3 d (74.4±4.7)%, while the control side (65.8+ 6.8)%; the PRP side in 7 d (72.4±7.5)%, while the control side (58.5+ 7.0)%; the PRP side in 14 d (74.5±5.0)%, while the control side (65.0±5.4)%. The inflammatory reaction became declining with the extension of time, while density of blood vessels was increasing. In 14 d inflammatory reaction was the lowest and blood vessels’ density was the largest. In all the control sides inflammatory response was obvious than that of the PRP side. CD34 positive count in 3 d PRP side microvascular density (MD) was (13.9±2.0)/HP, controlled side (11.1±1.3)/HP; in 7 d PRP MD was (15.7±1.5)/HP, controlled side (12.1±1.2)/HP; in 14 d PRP MD was (19.6±1.2)/HP, controlled side (12.7±0.8)/HP. There were significant differences in the MD at 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d (P<0.05) between PRP side and control side. Conclusions Platelet-rich plasma is able to promote the survival of random rabbit flap. Key words: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP); Flap