The Adjunct Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Split-Thickness Skin Grafts: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the available literature on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjunct to split-thickness skin graft (STSG) in an organized and easy-to-read format These data may encourage surgeons to integrate PRP into their skin graft protocol. DATA SOURCES: The authors conducted a systematic search using the PubMed. Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for articles published from their respective inceptions to October 1, 2019, to identify relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 629 articles were reviewed, and 5 were identified for inclusion in this study. The population of all studies was patients receiving an STSG to close a skin defect. DATA EXTRACTION: Articles were screened for the following outcome measures: graft take rates, edema or hematoma formation, instant adhesion of graft, healing time, length of hospital stay, scar hypertrophy, and frequency of dressing changes. DATA SYNTHESIS: The data were organized into two tables describing the studies and the selected outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that PRP in STSG reduces healing time, length of hospital stay, and scarring and that it eliminates the need for sutures/staples. Further, these benefits may correlate with a decrease in overall expenditure This systematic review suggests that further research on PRP and skin grafts is warranted.