Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of burn wounds: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of burn wounds through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive study from electronic medical journal databases. The primary outcome was healing rate, and the secondary outcomes were healing time, adverse events, pain score and scar score. The data was analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12. The odds ratio (OR) among different groups was calculated by using 95 % confidence interval (CI). ResultsWe included 8 randomized controlled trials with a total of 539 patients. The results showed that platelet-rich plasma could improve the healing rate of burn wound (OR 4.43, 95 % CI 2.13–9.22). The wound healing time of the platelet-rich plasma treatment group was significantly shorter than that of the conventional treatment group (OR –4.23, 95 % CI −5.48 to −2.98), both the superficial burn (OR –3.80, 95 % CI −4.53 to −3.07) and the deep burn group (OR –4.65, 95 % CI −6.90 to −2.40) had shorter healing time. Otherwise, the incidences of adverse events (OR 0.30, 95 % CI 0.11−0.78), pain score (OR –0.80, 95 % CI −1.40 to −0.21) and scar score (OR –0.38, 95 % CI −0.69 to −0.07) were all better in the platelet rich plasma treatment group. ConclusionTopical platelet-rich plasma treatment on burn wounds can improve wound healing and reduce the incidence of adverse events. Further research is needed to standardize the preparation and use of platelet-rich plasma and to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of burn wounds.