(0524) Platelet Rich Plasma in Cleft Palate Repair

Introduction: Cleft palate (CP) is a common congenital malformation with numerous popular and effective techniques described for operative repair. Despite this, the fistula rate following primary as well as secondary palate repairs remains high with some reports of up to a 35% fistula rate. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on rate of fistula formation given its well documented association with accelerated wound healing.

Methods: Systematic review conducted in standard review methodology. Relevant articles included or excluded from study based on predetermined criteria. Assessment of multiple baseline variables analysis performed; pooled analysis undertaken for rate of fistula formation between patients receiving PRP (PRP group) and those who did not (non-PRP group).

Results: Four articles with a total of 144 patients were identified. Of these, 92 (63.9%) made up the experimental PRP group while 52 (36.1%) constituted the non-PRP group. Fistula rate of formation was 4.34% in PRP group and 21.15% in non-PRP group. These rates were different to a statistically significant level (p = 0.0044) and an odds ratio of 4.86 (1.44-20.95 95% confidence interval) fistula formation without use of PRP was identified.

Conclusions: PRP represents an effective intraoperative adjunct to conventional surgical management and repair of cleft palate in primary and secondary palatoplasty. In well-resourced settings, its incorporation may benefit patients and clinicians alike.