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.
Authors
- Ana-Maria Brezeanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5631-9509)
- Vlad Tica (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9000-4731)
- Dragoș Brezeanu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7600-0571)
Institutions
- Ovidius University (RO)
- Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest (RO)
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