Platelet-rich plasma: evidence to support its use

l P ( p u d F m S P r B t e l ( b P W i p p a latelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentraion of human platelets in a small volume of plasma. herefore, the term PRP is preferred to autologous latelet gel, plasma-rich growth factors (PRGFs), or a ere autologous platelet concentrate. Because it is a oncentration of platelets, it is also a concentration of he 7 fundamental protein growth factors proved to e actively secreted by platelets to initiate all wound ealing. These growth factors include the 3 isomeres f platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF , PDGF , nd PDGF ), 2 of the numerous transforming rowth factors(TGF 1 and TGF 2), vascular endohelial growth factor, and epithelial growth factor. All f these growth factors have been documented to xist in platelets.1,2 Because these concentrated plateets are suspended in a small volume of plasma, PRP is ore that just a platelet concentrate; it also contains he 3 proteins in blood known to act as cell adhesion olecules for osteoconduction and as a matrix for one, connective tissue, and epithelial migration. hese cell adhesion molecules are fibrin itself, fironectin, and vitronectin. PRP development via centrifugation has been reatly simplified so that it can be used in the office etting as well as the operating room. However, the entrifugation process must be sterile and precisely uited to platelet separation from red blood cells and heir sequestration in high concentrations without ysing the platelets or damaging them so that they no onger can actively secrete their growth factors. herefore, not all currently marketed PRP devices are qual; some do not concentrate viably active platelets n sufficient numbers to produce a healing enhance-