The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on Composite Graft Survival
BACKGROUND:
Composite grafts are suitable for facial reconstruction because of good color matching, low donor site morbidity, acceptable texture, and easy surgical techniques. However, their use is limited to small-sized defects and by unpredictable survival rates. As platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains large numbers of growth factors and has been widely used for tissue regeneration, this study aimed to study PRP as an adjuvant to enhance composite graft survival.
METHODS:
Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were used, and chondrocutaneous composite grafts were applied to their ears. The grafts were then returned to their original positions after rotation to block the original circulation from the base of the graft. Each of the individual ears was randomly divided into two groups: Experimental (20; PRP group) or Control (20; control group). The surrounding skin of the composite graft was injected with either 1.0 ml PRP derived from autologous whole blood in the PRP group or normal saline in the control group. Graft survival, cutaneous blood flow, CD31-stained vessels, and VEGF protein levels were examined.
RESULTS:
Twelve days after surgery, graft viability in the PRP group was higher than in the control group. Blood perfusion was also higher in the PRP group. Compared to the control group, the number of CD31-positive blood vessels and VEGF expression levels were significantly increased in the PRP group.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our results suggest that PRP restores the perfusion of composite grafts by enhancing revascularization and may exert therapeutic effects on the survival of composite grafts.
