Comparison of Efficacy of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Silicone Products for Treatment of Scars

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intralesional autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in post-traumatic and post-surgical scars to a control group managed with silicone-based products. In addition, this study aimed to determine the success rate via aesthetic result, symptom improvement and outcome in terms of complications using autologous PRP on scars caused by burns or trauma. Methods: This randomised controlled trial study was conducted from August 2022 and February 2024 at the Departments of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, India. Intralesional autologous PRP injections were administered to post-traumatic or post-surgical scars of 6 weeks to 1.5 years duration. The control group was managed with silicone-based products. Clinical outcome of the scars was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) to determine improvement in scar characteristics and aesthetics. The Likert scale was also employed to assess the aesthetic satisfaction. Results: A total of 34 patients were included in this study (17 in each group). The PRP group reflected a statistically significant result in terms of both patient and observer factors as a part of the POSAS score. The mean observer POSAS significantly decreased from 16.76 on day 7 to 12.47 at 5 months (P <0.001). Mean patient POSAS also significantly decreased from 26.41 on day 7 to 19.88 at 5 months (P <0.001). Statistically significant improvement in Likert scale in PRP group. Conclusion: Scars following trauma or surgery showcased a significantly more efficient and faster extent of aesthetic and symptomatic improvement when treated with autologous PRP compared to silicone products.