Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the PRP of vasculopathic patients on antiplatelet therapy and evaluate clinical implications. Introduction: Despite numerous attempts to standardize the preparation methods of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), to date there is no homogeneity either in the techniques or in the production of dedicated kits and consequently in the quality of platelets concentrates. Added to this is the problem linked to patients with high cardiovascular risk on antiplatelet therapy. These are the ones who most frequently need PRP therapy but should they discontinue antiplatelets medication before blood harvesting for PRP preparation? Materials / method: The study involves the enrollment of 10 vasculopathic patients, both male and female, mean age 58 yrs, before the start of antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg) and after 30 days from its start, and 10 healthy control patients not on therapy. A 10 cc sample of whole blood have been taken from all 20 patients and collected in a tube with anticoagulant (sodium citrate 3.8%). The samples taken have been subjected to centrifugation by dedicated personnel and according to current legislation to obtain the plasma and to analyze platelets activity and growth factors. Results: The number of platelets, their functionality and content of growth factors have been evaluated, identifying any deficiencies. Furthermore a wound closure test has been performed to evaluate the functionality of PRP before and after 30 days of antiplatelets medication. The variation of growth factors between the 3 groups wasn't statistically significant. Conclusion: These preliminary results could suggest that PRP can be effective also in patients under antiplatelets medication with acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg, leading to a wider possible utilization of PRP therapy. It is necessary increase the number of patients to reach a strong significativity of the results, considering the important clinical implications.