The effect of deferoxamine injection on composite graft survival in rabbits

BACKGROUND: Composite graft as a reconstructive therapy option has limitations in size so that it is easily necrotic. Deferoxamine administration has been associated with increased neo-vascularity in wounds. We aimed to compare the administration of deferoxamine and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection in a composite graft in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups; the control group, the deferoxamine group, and the PRP group. The composite graft with a diameter of 2 cm was taken and replanted after rotating it 180°. The mean graft viability and the mean number of capillaries were evaluated on day 7 (POD 7) by macroscopic and histological evaluation using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. RESULTS: While the mean number of capillaries was not significantly different in control, deferoxamine, and PRP groups (p = 0.21), the mean survival rate in the control, deferoxamine, and PRP groups reached a significant level with p-value of 0.006 (66.6% vs. 63.8% vs. 99.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Deferoxamine group had the highest number of capillaries, but had the lowest survival rate. In the PRP group, it had the lowest number of capillaries, but had the highest survival rate.