Effects of Clopidogrel and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin on Viability of Random Skin Flaps in Rats

Abstract

Abstract Background The viability of skin flaps is critical and greatly affects patient's quality of life. Effects of anticoagulant use on focal skin flap necrosis were explored, administering clopidogrel or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) singly and in combination. Methods Adult male rats (N = 40) were randomly assigned to one of four equally divided groups, raising a random dorsal flap (10 × 4 cm) on each animal and delivering either no drug (control group) or daily applications of LMWH (4 mg/kg), clopidogrel (20 mg/kg), or both agents (LMWH–Clop) for a 7-day period. Thereafter, area and the percentage of flap necrosis (NP) were individually determined. Results Average NP values were as follows: controls, 51.61%; LMWH, 49.50%; clopidogrel, 27.70%; and LMWH–Clop, 29.71%. Conclusion Clopidogrel significantly enhanced the viability of random skin flap in rats, whereas single-agent LMWH or its combined usage conferred no significant benefits in this setting.

Keywords

• anticoagulants
• flap viability
• clopidogrel
• heparin