Effectiveness of platelet rich plasma in burn wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Platelet-rich plasma and plasma rich in growth factors in extra-oral wound care

This narrative review evaluates the existing literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) in extra-oral wound care, considering their potential benefits and drawbacks. The review specifically focuses on the impact of these treatments on patients' quality of life, pain management, treatment costs, recurrence rates, and potential complications. Given the extensive literature and diverse range of extra-oral wound types in which these autologous platelet concentrates have been applied, this narrative review focuses on the most frequently described wound types, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and burns. The use of PRP has been reported in various medical specialties, with a low risk of adverse events. While there is a growing interest in the use of PRGF with promising results, the available literature on this topic is still limited. Only a few studies evaluated patients' perception of the treatment and the relationship between treatment costs and clinical outcomes. Data on recurrence rates and complications also vary across studies. In conclusion, PRP and PRGF show promise as alternatives or as adjunctive therapies to conventional treatments for various extra-oral wounds and ulcers, leading to reduced wound size and accelerated healing time but should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the type and severity of the wound.

Skin graft surgery and its impact on platelet counts in Iranian burn patients: a non-randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Platelets are critical in maintaining homeostasis and immune response in burn patients. The concentration of platelets decreases in burn patients, and any intervention that increases serum platelet concentration can prevent serious consequences and patient death. The present study aimed to assess the impact of skin graft surgery on burn patients' platelet counts.

METHODS

In this non-randomized clinical trial, 200 burn patients were investigated. The patients were recruited from the surgical ward of Imam Khomeini Teaching Hospital during the first six months of 2021. After completing the checklist, patients underwent skin graft surgery. Blood was taken from the patients during surgery in the operating room and on the third and fifth day after the surgery to check platelets. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software (ver. 22.0).

RESULTS

Most patients (63.5%) were male, and 73 (36.5%) were female. One hundred eighty-one patients (90.5%) had deep burns, and 19 (9.5%) had superficial burns. The mean burns percentage in the patients was 19.3 ± 15.4%, the lowest was 2%, and the highest was 90%. The most common burns were caused by flame (42%) and boiling water (30.5%). The patients' outcomes revealed that 6% gained complete recovery, 86.5% partial recovery, 2.5% showed transplant rejection, and 5% died. Mean platelet levels in deceased patients had an upward trend. The mean platelet counts of patients were elevated during surgery (289,855 ± 165,378), decreased three days after surgery (282,778 ± 317,310), and elevated again five days after surgery (330,375 ± 208,571). However, no significant difference was found between the mean platelet counts during surgery, the third and fifth days after surgery in patients undergoing skin grafts (P = 0.057).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that skin graft positively increases the patient's platelets. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and elucidate the mechanism. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial approval code (IRCT# IRCT20131112015390N8 & 06/01/2024).

Fat Grafting and Regenerative Medicine in Burn Care

Regenerative therapies such as fat grafting and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) have emerged as new options to tackle burn-related injuries and their long-term sequelae. Fat grafting is able to promote wound healing by regulating the inflammatory response, stimulating angiogenesis, favoring the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and enhancing scar appearance. PRP can enhance wound healing by accelerating stages including hemostasis and re-epithelization. It can improve scar quality and complement fat grafting procedures. Their cost-effectiveness, minimal invasiveness, and promising results observed in the literature have made these tools as therapeutic candidates. The current evidence on fat grafting and PRP in acute and reconstructive burns is described and discussed in this study.

Do Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Influence the Final Appearance of Vertical Scars after Breast Reduction? Spectrophotometric Analysis

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to support wound healing and tissue regeneration due to its high concentration of growth factors and cytokines. This study aims to investigate the effect of intraoperative PRP injections on the final appearance of vertical scars after breast reduction, as well as to identify potential predictors of a scar's aesthetic assessment using spectrophotometric parameters. Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, 82 scars from 41 women who underwent bilateral breast reduction with an inverted T pattern were analyzed. PRP or a placebo substance (0.9% sodium chloride solution) was injected intraoperatively into the edges of vertical wounds. Spectrophotometric measurements of scar pigmentation were performed 3 and 6 months after surgery; additionally, two independent observers evaluated the aesthetic appearance of scars based on photographs. Results: The results showed that the use of intraoperative PRP injections did not significantly influence the final appearance of vertical scars after breast reduction. Conclusions: We indicated spectrophotometric variables (b) in the early stages of wound healing (after 3 months) that can be predictors of the final scar's aesthetic outcome. This can be helpful in detecting scars that may need additional interventions to optimize the healing process.

Impact of autologous platelet concentrates on wound area reduction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) on wound area reduction based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant literature. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of wound area reduction. Secondary outcome measures included wound healing time and the incidence of infection. A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the percentage of wound area reduction was significantly greater in the APCs group compared to conventional treatments (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-2.68, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the percentage of wound area reduction varied based on wound location, follow-up duration, and type of APCs used. The healing time and incidence of infection presented no significant difference between the two groups. The findings suggest that APCs can effectively reduce wound areas when compared to conventional treatments, without increasing the risk of infection. In addition, the effectiveness of APCs in wound area reduction may vary depending on factors such as wound location, type of APCs used, and follow-up duration.

Biotherapeutic Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Regenerative Medicine

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a blood-based product containing platelets and growth factors, is being utilized to treat numerous non-hemostatic disorders. Studies have explored the use of PRP to provide rapid repair, healing, and recovery from various injuries; some studies mentioned the effectiveness of PRP as compared with other forms of treatment like the use of hyaluronic acid. Commercially available PRP systems are available now, and each varies from one another depending on how it is prepared, thus causing variations in platelet concentration and growth factor content. These variations also implicated different therapeutic applications.

METHODS

The paper reviews the various applications of PRP, including factors to consider before using PRP therapy, and provides an extensive list of PRP applications.

RESULTS

The administration of PRP as a standalone treatment or as a co-therapy results in observed positive outcomes. However, there is a lack of standardization for PRP preparation, increasing the risks for heterogeneity and bias amongst results.

CONCLUSION

The use of PRP is indeed an option for regenerative therapy, but more research is needed before it can fully be recommended as a primary treatment modality.

Efficiency of platelet-rich plasma in the management of burn wounds: A meta-analysis

The meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficiency of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the management of burn wounds (BWs). Using dichotomous or contentious random- or fixed-effects models, the outcomes of this meta-analysis were examined and the odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Thirteen examinations from 2009 to 2023 were enrolled for the present meta-analysis, including 808 individuals with BWs. PRP had significantly shorter healing time (MD, -5.80; 95% CI, -7.73 to -3.88, p < 0.001), higher healing rate (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.05-4.80, p < 0.001), higher healed area percent (MD, 12.67; 95% CI, 9.79-15.55, p < 0.001) and higher graft take area percent (MD, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.51-7.26, p = 0.003) compared with standard therapy in patients with BW. However, no significant difference was found between PRP and standard therapy in graft take ratio (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.86-3.34, p = 0.13) and infection rate (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.20-1.47, p = 0.23) in patients with BW. The examined data revealed that PRP had a significantly shorter healing time, a higher healing rate, a higher healed area percent and a higher graft take area percent; however, no significant difference was found in graft take ratio or infection rate compared with standard therapy in patients with BW. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since all of the selected examinations had a low sample size and some comparisons had a low number of selected studies.

The Effects of Tissue Healing Factors in Wound Repair Involving Absorbable Meshes: A Narrative Review

Wound healing is a complex and meticulously orchestrated process involving multiple phases and cellular interactions. This narrative review explores the intricate mechanisms behind wound healing, emphasizing the significance of cellular processes and molecular factors. The phases of wound healing are discussed, focusing on the roles of immune cells, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Cellular shape alterations driven by cytoskeletal modulation and the influence of the 'Formin' protein family are highlighted for their impact on wound healing processes. This review delves into the use of absorbable meshes in wound repair, discussing their categories and applications in different surgical scenarios. Interleukins (IL-2 and IL-6), CD31, CD34, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are discussed in their respective roles in wound healing. The interactions between these factors and their potential synergies with absorbable meshes are explored, shedding light on how these combinations might enhance the healing process. Recent advances and challenges in the field are also presented, including insights into mesh integration, biocompatibility, infection prevention, and postoperative complications. This review underscores the importance of patient-specific factors and surgical techniques in optimizing mesh placement and healing outcomes. As wound healing remains a dynamic field, this narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and potential avenues for future research and clinical applications.

Anti-Aging Potential of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): Evidence from Osteoarthritis (OA) and Applications in Senescence and Inflammaging

Aging and age-related changes impact the quality of life (QOL) in elderly with a decline in movement, cognitive abilities and increased vulnerability towards age-related diseases (ARDs). One of the key contributing factors is cellular senescence, which is triggered majorly by DNA damage response (DDR). Accumulated senescent cells (SCs) release senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which includes pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), lipids and chemokines that are detrimental to the surrounding tissues. Chronic low-grade inflammation in the elderly or inflammaging is also associated with cellular senescence and contributes to ARDs. The literature from the last decade has recorded the use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) to combat senescence and inflammation, alleviate pain as an analgesic, promote tissue regeneration and repair via angiogenesis-all of which are essential in anti-aging and tissue regeneration strategies. In the last few decades, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as an anti-aging treatment option for dermatological applications and with great interest in tissue regeneration for orthopaedic applications, especially in osteoarthritis (OA). In this exploration, we connect the intricate relationship between aging, ARDs, senescence and inflammation and delve into PRP's properties and potential benefits. We conduct a comparative review of the current literature on PRP treatment strategies, paying particular attention to the instances strongly linked to ARDs. Finally, upon careful consideration of this interconnected information in the context of aging, we suggest a prospective role for PRP in developing anti-aging therapeutic strategies.

Role for platelet rich plasma as an adjuvant therapy in wound healing and burns

Background

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) contains high concentrations of growth factors. Intuitively, these were thought to be of potential benefit in healing of chronic wounds, skin grafts and graft donor sites. This was echoed in retrospective studies and an individual case basis but had not been randomized.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out by two individuals, independently, on the MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases, according to PRISMA guidelines. All data analysis and statistics was pooled and analysed using the Cochrane RevMan Software.

Results

Split thickness grafts have been described by numerous authors, but PRP use did not offer a significant advantage in graft take in pooled results (MD 5.83, 95% CI − 0.69 to 12.25, random-effects, p = 0.08). The analysis of included randomized controlled trials has shown favourable split-thickness skin graft donor site healing in the PRP group (MD − 5.55, 95% CI − 7.40 to − 3.69, random-effects, p =  < 0.00001) compared to the control group. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the pooled results showed no difference in functional scores vs steroid injections (SMD − 0.68, 95% CI − 1.47 to 0.10, randomeffects, p = 0.09) or indeed splinting groups.

Conclusions

With the current body of evidence, we conclude that the use of PRP as an adjuvant therapy in skin grafts, burns, carpal tunnel surgery or scars cannot be rationalised. A potential use of PRP is in donor site management but the cost of this would be difficult to justify.

Level of evidence: Not ratable.

Autologous Platelet and Extracellular Vesicle-Rich Plasma as Therapeutic Fluid: A Review

The preparation of autologous platelet and extracellular vesicle-rich plasma (PVRP) has been explored in many medical fields with the aim to benefit from its healing potential. In parallel, efforts are being invested to understand the function and dynamics of PVRP that is complex in its composition and interactions. Some clinical evidence reveals beneficial effects of PVRP, while some report that there were no effects. To optimize the preparation methods, functions and mechanisms of PVRP, its constituents should be better understood. With the intention to promote further studies of autologous therapeutic PVRP, we performed a review on some topics regarding PVRP composition, harvesting, assessment and preservation, and also on clinical experience following PVRP application in humans and animals. Besides the acknowledged actions of platelets, leukocytes and different molecules, we focus on extracellular vesicles that were found abundant in PVRP.

Cold atmospheric plasma physically reinforced substances of platelets-laden photothermal-responsive methylcellulose complex restores burn wounds

Patients with irregular, huge burn wounds require time-consuming healing. The skin has an epithelial barrier mechanism. Hence, the penetration and retention of therapeutics across the skin to deep lesion is generally quite difficult and these usually constrain the delivery/therapeutic efficacies for wound healing. Effective burn wound healing also necessitates proper circulation. Conventional polymeric dressing usually exhibits weak mechanical behaviors, obstructing their load-bearing applications. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was used as an efficient, environmentally friendly, and biocompatible process to crosslink methylcellulose (MC) designed for topical administration such as therapeutic substances of platelets (SP) and polyethyleneimine-polypyrrole nanoparticle (PEI-PPy NP)-laden MC hydrogel carriers, and wound dressings. The roles of framework parameters for CAP-treated SP-PEI-PPy NP-MC polymeric complex system; chemical, physical, and photothermal effects; morphological, spectroscopical, mechanical, rheological, and surface properties; in vitro drug release; and hydrophobicity are discussed. Furthermore, CAP-treated SP-PEI-PPy NP-MC polymeric complex possessed augmented mechanical properties, biocompatibility, sustainable drug release, drug-retention effects, and near-infrared (NIR)-induced hyperthermia effects that drove heat-shock protein (HSP) expression with drug permeation to deep lesions. This work sheds light on the CAP crosslinking polymeric technology and the efficacy of combining sustained drug release with photothermal therapy in burn wound bioengineering carrier designs.

The simpler, the better: tissue vascularization using the body's own resources

Tissue regeneration is crucially dependent on sufficient vascularization. In regenerative medicine, this can be effectively achieved by autologous vascularization strategies using the body's own resources. These strategies include the administration of blood-derived factor preparations, adipose tissue-based vascularization, and the in situ engineering of vascularized tissue. Due to their simplicity, the translation of these strategies into clinical practice is easier in terms of feasibility, safety requirements, and regulatory hurdles compared with complex and time-consuming procedures involving intensive cell manipulation. Hence, they are close to clinical application or are already being used to successfully treat patients by distinct personalized medicine concepts.

Electrochemical treatment of ex vivo human abdominal skin and potential use in scar management: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Scar treatments aim to address pathologic collagen deposition; however, they can be expensive or difficult to control. Electrochemical therapy (ECT) offers a simple alternative treatment. The purpose of this study is to examine the acid-base and histological changes in ex vivo human abdominal skin following ECT.

METHODS

Forty-two ex vivo human panniculus tissue sections collected from six individuals were tumesced with normal saline. ECT was performed by inserting two platinum needle electrodes connected to a DC power supply into each specimen. Voltage was varied (3-6 V) and applied for 5 minutes. Each specimen was sectioned across both electrode insertion sites and immediately stained with pH sensitive dye. The width of dye color change for each dosimetry pair was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate samples.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

ECT caused a spatially localised and dose-dependent increased area of acidic and basic pH around the anode and cathode, respectively. A significantly greater mean width of pH change was generated at the cathode compared to the anode in all treatment groups. Histological evaluation displayed broad condensation and hyalinisation of dermal collagen.

CONCLUSION

ECT triggered dermal pH alterations and changed the underlying structural framework of the specimen. This technology may serve as a low-cost, minimally invasive local soft-tissue remodeling technique with potential application in scar management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

LAY SUMMARY

Electrochemical therapy is a novel treatment that causes spatially selective dermal injury in areas of interest. This study measures the effects of electrochemical therapy when applied to abdominal skin. Electrochemical therapy appears to have beneficial effects by causing a highly localised reduction in collagen content or local softening of tissue, which is consistent with other studies on scar therapies, including chemexfoliation, radiofrequency technologies, and lasers. However, electrochemical therapy can be performed at a fraction of the costs of these aforementioned modalities.

Variation in platelet-rich plasma compositions used for wound healing indications

At present, the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in burn and wound management is undefined. We present some of the evidence for PRP in wound healing and other medical fields. Currently, the high variation in product composition, mode and timing of application prevent a clear definition of the position of PRP in wound healing. Perspectives on solving these issues are described.

Assisted therapy with platelet-rich plasma for burn patients: A meta-analysis and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been used in different medical fields, but its effectiveness in burn wound healing remains debatable. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence on burn patients treated with PRP to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of PRP in patients with burn injuries were selected. Eligible retrospective studies were abstracted and assessed for the risk of bias by two reviewers and results of mean time to complete epithelization and wound closure rate in the included studies were analyzed. Studies on the correlation between PRP and burn wound healing published in English or Chinese before March 2020 were retrieved from PubMed.

RESULTS

Eight studies (including 449 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Qualitative analysis revealed that compared with the control group, the PRP group had significantly better wound closure rates at weeks 2 (mean difference (MD): 12.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.08, 18.49]; I2: 0%; p < 0.0001) and 3 (MD: 12.66 [95% CI: 5.97, 19.34]; I2: 55%; p = 0.0002) and time to complete epithelialization (MD: -3.45 [95% CI: -4.87, -2.04] (days); I2: 0%; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in infection rate or graft take rate.

CONCLUSIONS

PRP application can accelerate wound closure, however, it has no effect on the rates of wound infection and graft take rate.

PRP in wound healing applications

Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, tissue regeneration and host defense. Based on these settings, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives are therapeutically used to promote wound healing in several scenarios. This review summarizes the biological mechanisms underlying the most traditional as well as innovative applications of PRP in wound healing. These mechanisms involve the combined action of platelet-derived growth factors and cytokines, together with the role of plasma-derived fibrillar, antioxidant and homeostatic factors. In addition, regenerative treatments with PRP consist of personalized and non-standardized methods. Thus, the quality of PRP varies depending on endogenous factors (e.g., age; gender; concomitant medication; disease-associated systemic factors; nutrition) and exogenous factors (anticoagulants and cellular composition). This review also analyses whether these factors affect the biological mechanisms of PRP in wound healing applications.

Effects and mechanism of platelet-rich plasma on military drill injury: a review

Military drill injury is a significant part of military medical research. The increase of training intensity and changes in training methods lead to differences in injury types. The ideal therapeutic modality should allow rapid healing at a reasonable cost and minimize impact on patients' life. Platelet -rich plasma (PRP), a platelet concentrate, is rich in a variety of growth factors and widely used clinically as a minimally invasive treatment. It plays an important role in injury repair and rehabilitation. In this article, we review the therapeutic role of PRP in military drill injury and its possible underlying mechanisms, with a focus on plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and other common injuries, in order to provide basic support for military reserve.

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

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of burn wounds through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

We 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).

RESULTS

We 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.

CONCLUSION

Topical 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.