Is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection in Sternotomy Wound Better for Healing and Pain Control?

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig , Egypt.

2 Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig , Egypt.

3 Department of Anesthesia and surgical intensive care, Faculty of Medicine – Zagazig University, , Zagazig , Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Superficial and deep sternal wound infections (SWI & DSWI) post-cardiac surgery increase morbidity and hospital stay. Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s own blood has been used in other surgical settings to promote successful wound healing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the usefulness of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection in sternotomy wound of patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. Patient and methods: A prospective study for patients underwent open heart surgery from June 2013 until June 2016 at Zagazig University. One hundred sixty patients were divided into two groups; group A: there is application of PRP before and after sternal closure in about 80 patients and group B: Sternotomy closure by ordinary manner without application of PRP in 80 patients. Results: Mean age was 54.32±8.005 in group (A), ranged from 30 to 72 years and in group B, mean age was 55.21±9.06, ranged from 28 to 70 years. Follow-up of postoperative SSWI and DWSI showed that the use of PRP had no adverse reactions in our study. Also, the incidence of superficial and deep sternal wound infection from one month to more than 3 months in group A was reduced. Postoperative pain in group A had a significantly low incidence of moderate and severe pain in the period from one month to more than 3 months. Conclusion: The application of PRP in sternotomy wound was found to be simple, safe and significantly reduced postoperative infection rates and pain severity in the treatment group.

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