Platelet-rich fibrin enhances wound epithelialization in the skin graft donor site

Abstract

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is among the newest autologous growth factors used to accelerate the wound healing process. The application of PRF on the donor site after skin grafting can accelerate wound epithelialization. This multiple-measure study used a general linear model to evaluate the effect of PRF on the post-harvest donor site defect. The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without PRF application. To evaluate the wound epithelialization at the donor site, wound care was provided at both femoral sides, and the patients were assessed on days 3, 7, 14, and 30 using the ImageJ software. The application of PRF accelerated wound epithelialization in the donor site (p < 0.05). In the PRF group, the inflammation reactions (hyperemia, pain, hyperthermia, and edema) in the wound at the donor site were less. PRF administration can improve the condition of the wound by providing growth factors in the wound environment that help accelerate the epithelialization process, and this results in cost-effective wound management.