The Effectiveness of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Conventional Mechanical Suture Fixation in Skin Graft Transfer for Deep Burn Patients: An Intra-Patient Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a patient-derived treatment containing fibrin and high concentrations of growth factors, often known for its adhesive and hemostatic abilities. PRP has been used for various types of wounds, including chronic and burn wounds. Autologous PRP is an affordable and practical modality that has been advocated by multiple publications due to its effect in improving clinical outcomes and wound healing time in regard to skin graft in burn patients. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of PRP to conventional suture fixation in skin graft transfer for deep burn patients through objective “take” percentage analysis. Methods: This controlled prospective single center study included 15 deep burn patients with a total burn area of 5 – 30% on their extremities. Each patient received skin graft treatments using both methods: autologous PRP and conventional sutures. Pictures and analysis were taken on the third day after surgery to compare the open wound area between the two methods. Result: There was no significant “take” percentage difference between the autologous PRP and conventional suture group. The mean percentage of skin graft “take” for autologous PRP was 84.36% ± 13.82%, and the result for suture fixation was 84.16% ± 15.33%. Conclusion: The use of autologous PRP in this study did not improve the “take” percentage of skin grafts compared to conventional suture fixation. However, the use of autologous PRP did reduce the surgery duration and is still a treatment modality with high potential.