Effects of platelet-rich fibrin and dexamethasone on nerve regeneration after acute facial-nerve injury

Abstract

Background

Acute facial-nerve injury.

Objective

To investigate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and dexamethasone on nerve regeneration.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups. Facial-nerve injury was created using a full-thickness incision in all groups except Group E. Next, primary anastomosis, PRF application, topical dexamethasone application, primary anastomosis with topical PRF and dexamethasone application, and no facial-nerve repair were performed in Groups A, B, C, D, and F, respectively. Clinical, functional, and structural improvements were evaluated at eight weeks.

Results

The mean eye-closure movement score in Group B was significantly higher than that in Group F (p < .001). The mean whisker-movement score in Group B was significantly higher than that in Group F (p = .001). The mean amplitude of whisker movement in Group F was significantly lower than those in Groups A, B, C, and E, and the mean amplitude in Group D was significantly lower than that in Group E (p < .001). Furthermore, an improvement in nerve ultrastructure was observed in Group B.

Conclusion

PRF application has a positive effect on nerve recovery after anastomosis.

Significance

Contribute to the literature to improve nerve regeneration.

Chinese Abstract

背景：急性面神经损伤。

目的：探讨富血小板纤维蛋白（PRF）和地塞米松对神经再生的作用。

材料与方法：36只大鼠随机分为6组。 除 E 组外, 所有组均使用全层切口制造面神经损伤。接下来, 对A、B、C、D、F 组分别进行一期吻合术、施用PRF、局部施用地塞米松、一期吻合术带局部施用PRF 和地塞米松, 以及无面神经修复。八周后评估临床、功能和结构的改进。

结果：B组平均闭眼运动评分显著高于F组(p<.001)。 B组的平均胡须运动得分显著高于F组(p=.001)。 F组胡须运动的平均幅度明显低于A、B、C、E组, D组平均振幅明显低于E组(p<.001)。 此外, B 组的神经超微结构有所改善。

结论：PRF的施用对吻合术后神经恢复具有积极作用。

意义：为关于改善神经再生的文献资料增添了内容。

Keywords:

• Dexamethasone
• facial nerve
• nerve recovery
• platelet-rich fibrin

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the staff of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Health Sciences, who contributed to our study. We would also like to thank Mediterranean University Anatomy Department for their contributions. We are also grateful to the Mediterranean University Experimental Animals Application and Research Center Team.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).