Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Post-Cesarean Scar Healing: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

<b>Background:</b> Cesarean section (CS) frequently results in abdominal scarring, affecting recovery, aesthetics, and quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate rich in growth factors, may enhance wound healing. This pilot trial assessed the effect of intraoperative PRP on CS scar outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> In this single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial (February 2023-December 2024), 100 women undergoing elective CS were randomized to PRP treatment (<i>n</i> = 50) or standard care (<i>n</i> = 50). PRP, prepared from 20 mL autologous blood, was infiltrated into uterine incision margins and subcutaneously before skin closure. Scar healing was evaluated at day 7 and day 40 postpartum using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; physician and patient), Vancouver Scar Scale, Manchester Scar Scale, REEDA (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) Scale, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Mann-Whitney U tests and Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated. <b>Results:</b> Follow-up was complete for all participants. On day 7, PRP-treated patients had lower mean scores across most scales (e.g., Vancouver: 1.74 ± 1.58 vs. 2.54 ± 2.30; <i>p</i> = 0.063). At day 40, improvements persisted, with POSAS Patient scores significantly lower in the PRP group (7.24 ± 1.81 vs. 8.00 ± 2.06; <i>p</i> = 0.029). Effect sizes were small-to-moderate (<0.5), suggesting underpowering. No adverse events occurred. <b>Conclusions:</b> PRP administration during CS showed favorable trends toward improved scar quality and reduced patient-reported discomfort, with statistical significance for POSAS Patient scores at 40 days. Larger, multicenter trials with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

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Publication Details

Journal
Healthcare
Published
2025-11-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222928
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Periodontal Regeneration and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
3.67
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article

Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Post-Cesarean Scar Healing: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Ana-Maria Brezeanu, Vlad Tica, Dragoș Brezeanu
2 citations
Healthcare
Periodontal Regeneration and Treatments
3.67
article

Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Post-Cesarean Scar Healing: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Ana-Maria Brezeanu, Vlad Tica, Dragoș Brezeanu
article en
2 citations

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Cesarean section (CS) frequently results in abdominal scarring, affecting recovery, aesthetics, and quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate rich in growth factors, may enhance wound healing. This pilot trial assessed the effect of intraoperative PRP on CS scar outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> In this single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial (February 2023-December 2024), 100 women undergoing elective CS were randomized to PRP treatment (<i>n</i> = 50) or standard care (<i>n</i> = 50). PRP, prepared from 20 mL autologous blood, was infiltrated into uterine incision margins and subcutaneously before skin closure. Scar healing was evaluated at day 7 and day 40 postpartum using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; physician and patient), Vancouver Scar Scale, Manchester Scar Scale, REEDA (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) Scale, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Mann-Whitney U tests and Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated. <b>Results:</b> Follow-up was complete for all participants. On day 7, PRP-treated patients had lower mean scores across most scales (e.g., Vancouver: 1.74 ± 1.58 vs. 2.54 ± 2.30; <i>p</i> = 0.063). At day 40, improvements persisted, with POSAS Patient scores significantly lower in the PRP group (7.24 ± 1.81 vs. 8.00 ± 2.06; <i>p</i> = 0.029). Effect sizes were small-to-moderate (<0.5), suggesting underpowering. No adverse events occurred. <b>Conclusions:</b> PRP administration during CS showed favorable trends toward improved scar quality and reduced patient-reported discomfort, with statistical significance for POSAS Patient scores at 40 days. Larger, multicenter trials with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

HealthcareVol. 13(22)
Ovidius University (RO), Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Periodontal Regeneration and Treatments
3.67
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