Platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (often abbreviated as PRP) is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. It has a greater concentration of growth factors than whole blood, and has been used to encourage a brisk healing response across several specialties, in particular plastic surgery, dentistry, orthopedics, and dermatology.

History

The use of PRP in medicine started in the 1970s with the production of fibrin glue from patient's own blood before surgery. The use of PRP has been expanded since the 1990s; it is now used in several medical fields such as dermatology, plastic surgery, dentistry, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmology.

Preparation

PRP is prepared by taking blood from the person, and then putting it through two stages of centrifugation designed to separate PRP from platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells. This is usually done by the clinic offering the treatment, using commercially available kits and equipment.

Uses

PRP has been used in an attempt to treat osteoarthritis, with unclear effect. It has also been used for bone healing, soft tissue healing, and has been found to be of unclear benefit in rotator cuff disease.

Safety

The safety of PRP is unclear due to the lack of large, high-quality clinical trials. Some low-quality studies have found no significant problems with the treatment, while others have reported a number of complications.

See also

• Blood plasma
• Platelet
• Growth factor
• Centrifugation

References

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External links

• WikiMD Article on Platelet-rich plasma

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  Platelet-rich plasma hand rejuvenation
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  Centrifuge used for PRP preparation
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  Blood drawn from patient for PRP
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  Removal of PRP after double centrifugation
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  PRP is injected into area of injury via ultrasound guidance