Platelet-Rich Plasma in Regenerative Medicine: Possible Applications in Management of Burns and Post-Burn Scars: A Review

Abstract

Contribution of platelets in tissue regeneration and their possible application in regenerative medicine, which is primarilymediated via secretion of granular components following platelet activation, has been well established in the recent decades.Therefore, platelet rich plasma (PRP), as a portion of plasma with higher concentrations of platelets than the baseline level,is now an attractive therapeutic option in various medical fields mainly for tissue repair and regeneration following injuries.Burn injuries are devastating trauma with high rate of morbidities affecting several aspects of the patient’s life. They requirea long-time medical care and high costs. However, even following the best treatment procedures, post-burn scars areinevitable consequence of burn healing process. Therefore, development of new treatment modalities for both burn healingand prevention of post-burn scar establishment seems to be necessary. Regarding the well-known role of PRP in woundhealing, here we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight in the possible application of PRP as an adjuvant therapy forthe management of burn injuries and subsequent scars. In terms of the following keywords (individually or in combination),original/review articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 2009 to 2021: platelet richplasma, PRP therapy, platelet biology, platelet function, burn healing, burn scar, scar formation, burn management, woundhealing, regenerative medicine. All type of articles or book chapters in English language and relevant data were included inthis review. This review initially focused on PRP, its mechanisms of action, preparation methods, and available sources. Then,pathophysiology of burns and subsequent scars were discussed. Finally, their current conventional therapeutic modalities andimplication of PRP in their healing process were highlighted.

Keywords

• burns
• platelet rich plasma
• wound healing