Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Application Improves Scar Healing After Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design and Ethical Approval
2.2. Patient Selection
2.3. PRP Preparation and Administration
2.4. Hematological Parameters
2.5. Scar Assessment Scales
- Manchester Scar Scale (MSS)—clinical assessment of scar thickness, texture, and pigmentation [22].
- Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)—incorporates both observer and patient perspectives [23].
- Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS)—evaluates vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height [24].
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS)—patient-rated pain intensity (0–10) [25].
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)—numerical pain rating (0–10) [26].
- REEDA Scale (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation)—evaluates erythema, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation (0–15 scale) [27].
2.6. Statistical Analysis
2.7. Timing Rationale
3. Results
3.1. Patient Characteristics
3.2. Scar Healing Outcomes
- VAS score decreased from 6.0 ± 1.5 at day 7 to 2.0 ± 0.9 at day 40.
- NRS score declined from 5.0 ± 1.4 to 1.0 ± 0.8, both changes statistically significant (p < 0.001).
3.3. Hematological Dynamics
3.4. Correlation Analyses
4. Discussion
4.1. Originality and Innovative Contributions
- Implementation of a dual-stage intraoperative PRP administration protocol, targeting both the myometrial and subcutaneous layers.
- Use of six validated clinical scales (Manchester, POSAS, Vancouver, VAS, NRS, REEDA) to comprehensively assess scar morphology, vascularity, and patient-reported outcomes.
- Analysis of objective hematological markers (hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets) in relation to scar evolution, creating a unique link between systemic and local healing responses.
- Registration of the clinical protocol in an international database (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06978010), ensuring methodological transparency and ethical compliance.
4.2. Future Research Directions and Clinical Applicability
- Conduct larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with placebo or standard-care control arms to confirm causality and minimize bias.
- Evaluate long-term outcomes of scar remodeling, including elasticity, function, and the risk of hypertrophic or keloid scar formation.
- Standardize PRP preparation techniques and classify its biological profile (e.g., leukocyte-rich vs. leukocyte-poor), in line with PAW or DEPA classification systems.
- Explore the use of PRP in other gynecologic surgeries, such as myomectomy, hysterectomy, or endometriosis-related procedures, with tailored indications.
- Future studies should specifically evaluate women with a predisposition to keloid or hypertrophic scars, as this group may particularly benefit from PRP’s anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| Age (years) | 27.9 ± 6.1 (range 18–40) |
| BMI (kg/m2) | 27.9 ± 4.5 (range 19.5–42.1) |
| Primiparous | 26 (54%) |
| Previous cesarean deliveries | 14 (27%) |
| Previous vaginal deliveries | 10 (19%) |
| Day | Scar Score Mean | Std Dev Scar Score | VAS Pain Score | NRS Pain Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8.88 | 2.13 | 6 | 5 |
| 40 | 6.46 | 1.23 | 2 | 1 |
| Scale | Day 7 (Mean ± SD) | Day 40 (Mean ± SD) | p-Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) | 9.2 ± 1.8 | 6.7 ± 1.5 | <0.001 |
| Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) | 32.5 ± 6.0 | 21.4 ± 4.3 | <0.001 |
| Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) | 8.1 ± 2.1 | 5.2 ± 1.4 | <0.01 |
| REEDA Scale (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) | 7.8 ± 2.0 | 3.4 ± 1.1 | <0.001 |
| Day | Hemoglobin (g/dL) Level Mean | Hematocrit (%) Level Mean | Leukocyte (Cells/dL) Count Mean | Platelet (Cells/dL) Count Mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 11.2 g/dL | 34% | 12,300/dL | 250.000/dL |
| 40 | 13.5 g/dL | 40% | 7800/dL | 300.000/dL |
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Brezeanu, A.-M.; Brezeanu, D.; Stase, S.; Chirila, S.; Tica, V.-I. Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Application Improves Scar Healing After Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study. Healthcare 2025, 13, 2905. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222905
Brezeanu A-M, Brezeanu D, Stase S, Chirila S, Tica V-I. Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Application Improves Scar Healing After Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study. Healthcare. 2025; 13(22):2905. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222905
Chicago/Turabian StyleBrezeanu, Ana-Maria, Dragoș Brezeanu, Simona Stase, Sergiu Chirila, and Vlad-Iustin Tica. 2025. "Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Application Improves Scar Healing After Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study" Healthcare 13, no. 22: 2905. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222905
APA StyleBrezeanu, A.-M., Brezeanu, D., Stase, S., Chirila, S., & Tica, V.-I. (2025). Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Application Improves Scar Healing After Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Pilot Study. Healthcare, 13(22), 2905. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222905

