Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic arch replacement: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathy and massive bleeding are common complications of patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection repair, and patients with these complications require many transfusions. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used to reduce the need for blood products. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PRP on blood conservation and the postoperative conditions of patients who underwent aortic arch replacement. METHODS: Patients with aortic dissection undergoing aortic arch replacement were included initially application In all, 837 patients were divided into the PRP and non-PRP groups according to PRP use, whereupon a propensity score match was performed. The data analyzed included patient basic information, intraoperative information, postoperative biochemical examinations, and CTA reports. RESULTS: In total, 610 patients were finally included (305 patients per group). Groups were well balanced after matching. Compared to the non-PRP group, less cryoprecipitate was transfused in the PRP group (10.0 [7.5, 11.0] vs. 10.0 [10.0, 11.5], P = 0.021), while no differences were found in packed RBC, FFP, and platelets between the two groups. Also, the surgery variables showed no differences. After surgery, patients in the PRP group showed higher postoperative serum albumin (36.43±4.20 vs. 35.39±4.40 g/L, P = 0.004) and total protein levels (59.38±6.25 vs. 58.06±7.19 g/L, P = 0.019) than the non-PRP group, but no significant differences in the levels of ALT, AST, Scr, and BUN. CTA reports showed that the proportion of patients with pleural effusion was lower in the PRP group (76.66% vs. 83.99%, OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04–2.45, P = 0.028), while the proportions of pericardial effusion were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: PRP application in aortic arch replacement surgery reduced the transfusion of cryoprecipitate, increased the postoperative serum albumin and total protein levels, and reduced the incidence of pleural effusion. No effect of PRP application was found on other postoperative blood indicators and CTA reports.