THE EFFECTS OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA AND COLD ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA ON RAT DORSAL SKIN FLAPS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on two different rat dorsal skin flap model (ischemia free and induced ischemia). PRP has been used on rat dorsal skin flaps and showed vasodilatory effects and lowered the skin necrosis rate. To the best of our knowledge, there is no record of using CAP on this flap models or a comparative study of the two types of plasma (autologous and synthetic). Our study comprised 3 groups of 6 animals each (control, PRP and CAP) on which a modified McFarlane flap was performed (free ischemia) and 3 groups with the same design, but supplementary the left skin pedicle was surgically cauterised (induced ischemia). Autologous and synthetic plasma solutions were administered subcutaneously and the results evaluation was performed in the 5th and 7th postoperative day. The data interpretation follows the correlation between oxidative stress and haematological parameters, PRP and CAP administration in the case of induced or without induced ischemia. CAP had a better effect on cutaneous vascularization of the McFarlane dorsal flap, with lower necrosis rates compared with PRP.