349 The Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Healing of Full Thickness Burns in Swine

Abstract Introduction Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors and has been shown to improve healing in a variety of wounds. We determined the effects of PRP on healing and scarring in full…

Introduction
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is rich in growth factors and has been shown to improve healing in a variety of wounds. We determined the effects of PRP on healing and scarring in full thickness porcine burns with and without tangential excision and grafting (TEG).
Methods
Standardized full thickness 5 cm by 5 cm burns were created on each of the backs and flanks of 10 anesthetized female pigs (25 kg) using a validated model. The burns were created with a heating device that emits heat at a temperature of 400° Celsius for a period of 30 seconds. The burns were randomized to one of six treatments: no TEG or PRP, no TEG+PRP, early (day 2) TEG and no PRP, early TEG+PRP, late (day 14) TEG no PRP, and late TEG+PRP. Tangential excision was performed down to viable tissue and autografts were 0.2 mm thick. A thin layer of autologous PRP was applied topically on day 2 only, below the graft. All wounds were then treated with a topical antibiotic ointment 3 times weekly for 42 days. Digital images and full thickness biopsies were taken at 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after injury to determine percentage reepithelialization, scar depth, and scar contraction. Tissue sections were stained with H&E and viewed by a dermatopathologist masked to treatment assignment.
Results
A total of 120 burns were created on 10 animals evenly distributed between the six treatment groups. Burns undergoing early TEG reepithelialized fastest and with the thinnest scars followed by late TEG. Burns that did not undergo TEG had the slowest reepithelialization and greatest amount of scarring. Addition of PRP had no effects on reepithelialization, scar depth, or scar contraction in any of the treatment groups.
Conclusions
The effects of PRP on reepithelialization and scarring of full thickness porcine burns were similar to those of a topical triple antibiotic ointment regardless of whether the burns underwent excision or grafting or the timing of excision and grafting.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Our results confirm that early TEG improves healing of full thickness burns but does not support the addition of PRP.