Use of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin in burn wound healing and skin grafting: a systematic review

Burn injuries occurring due to thermal, electrical, flame-related, and chemical causes result in acute and chronic wounds. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are both autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) that may augment wound healing. We conducted a systematic review to examine patient outcomes when this biologic technology is used in the management of burn wounds.

The following databases were queried to identify relevant articles used for literature review: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The main outcome measures of this review were efficacy of PRP and PRF for use in primary burn wounds, skin graft donor site wounds, and skin graft adherence.

Our review identified 14 eligible articles, reporting on a total of 781 patients. Included studies investigated PRP (n = 12) and PRF (n = 2) in the context of primary burn wounds and skin grafting. Overall, PRP and PRF were shown to accelerate burn wound re-epithelialization and healing, though there was less consensus with regards to the effects on scar quality. Additionally, PRP and PRF were demonstrated to improve graft take and skin graft donor site healing. No significant adverse events or reactions were reported in the literature. However, prolonged operative time, the necessity for multiple venipunctures, and a lack of significant improvement in healthcare costs present notable limitations of this therapy.

PRP and PRF may improve wound healing and may be considered as adjunct therapies in the treatment of primary burn wounds and skin graft donor site wounds. We encourage future, high-quality, prospective studies to be conducted to help fill these knowledge gaps and improve clinicians’ understanding of the use of PRP and PRF for burn wound and skin graft donor wound healing.

Not ratable