Autologous Blood Clot Therapy as a Wound Regenerative Technique in Burns
Dr. Shanmuga Priya R ¹, Dr. Ravi Kumar Chittoria²
¹MBBS, DNB General Surgery , Senior Resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Post graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India-605006, Mobile no: 9003546195, Email: rspriya.6@@gmail.com
²SMCh, DNB, MNAMS, FRCS (Edin), DSc, PhD (Plastic Surgery), Professor & Registrar (Academic), Head of IT Wing and Telemedicine, Department of Plastic Surgery & Telemedicine, JIPMER, Pondicherry, India-605006, Mobile: 9442285670, Email: drchittoria@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Keywords:
Introduction :
Preparation of Autologous Blood Clot (fig 1)
The preparation of ABC follows a standardized protocol, ensuring consistency and effectiveness. According to Snyder et al. (2024), the process involves the following steps:
1. Blood Collection: Approximately 10–20 mL of the patient’s venous blood is drawn into a sterile, anticoagulant free tube to allow for natural clot formation.
2. Incubation and Coagulation: The blood sample is left undisturbed at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, enabling clot formation through natural coagulation pathways.
3. Clot Extraction: The formed clot is carefully separated from the residual serum and prepared for application. The clot retains key components, including fibrin, platelets, and growth factors, which are essential for wound healing.
4. Application to Wound Site: The autologous clot is directly placed over the wound bed, ensuring even coverage. (fig 2) A secondary dressing is applied to maintain moisture and protect the clot from mechanical disruption.
Mechanism of Action in Burn Wound Healing
ABC therapy enhances burn wound healing through multiple biological mechanisms:
• Hemostasis and Structural Support: The fibrin matrix provides mechanical stability to the wound, preventing excessive bleeding and serving as a scaffold for cell attachment and migration [4].
• Cellular Proliferation and Migration: Growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) stimulate fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production [5].
• Angiogenesis: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes new capillary formation, enhancing blood supply and oxygenation to the wound site [6].
• Inflammatory Modulation: Leukocytes within the clot release cytokines that regulate the inflammatory response, reducing excessive tissue damage while promoting immune defense [7].
Clinical Applications in Burn Management
Advantages of ABC Therapy in Burns
• Autologous Nature: This reduces the risk of immune rejection and allergic reactions [10].
• Enhanced Tissue Regeneration: Growth factors within the clot promote cell proliferation and matrix remodeling [11].
• Angiogenesis Stimulation: VEGF and PDGF encourage new blood vessel formation, improving nutrient supply [12].
• Reduced Infection Risk: Leukocytes within the clot provide antimicrobial properties, reducing bacterial colonization [13].
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to bioengineered skin substitutes, ABC therapy is a cost-effective alternative, particularly in resource-limited settings [14].
Limitations and Challenges
Despite its advantages, ABC therapy faces several challenges:
• Variability in Clot Composition: Individual patient factors, including blood composition and comorbidities, may affect the clot’s regenerative potential [15].
• Risk of Contamination: Strict aseptic techniques are necessary during preparation and application to prevent infections [16].
• Lack of Standardization: Currently, there is no universally accepted protocol for ABC therapy in burn care, necessitating further research and clinical trials [17].
Future Direct
To enhance ABC therapy’s effectiveness, future research should focus on:
1. Standardization of Preparation Techniques: Establishing uniform protocols for ABC preparation and application [18].
2. Integration with Other Regenerative Therapies: Combining ABC therapy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stem cells, or bioengineered scaffolds to optimize healing [19].
3. Clinical Trials in Burn Management: Conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate ABC therapy’s longterm efficacy in burn wound healing [20].
Conclusion
References:
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3. Snyder R, Nouvong A, Ulloa J, et al. Efficacy and safety of autologous whole blood clot in diabetic foot ulcers: a randomized controlled trial. J Wound Care. 2024;33(9):688-700.
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epidermal barrier function. J Pathol. 2014;233(4):331-43.
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systematic review and meta-analysis. J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2020;14(5):643-53
I am a seasoned professional with over 9 years of transformative experience in the domains of molecular biology, immunology, and clinical research. With a career that spans from 2006 to 2018, my journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through groundbreaking research. I have worked at one of India’s premier medical institutions, AIIMS(All India Institute of Medical Sciences), where I contributed significantly to the fields of molecular biology and clinical research. My expertise in protein analysis and genetic studies allowed me to identify potential biomarkers and improve diagnostic accuracy, contributing to better healthcare outcomes for patients. Notably, the research work has been published in prestigious scientific journals such as the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology and the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Publication in these esteemed journals reflects my commitment to advancing medical science and sharing insights with the global research community. These publications highlight my expertise in areas ranging from gene polymorphism and immune response mechanisms to the effects of chronic drug therapy, all contributing to the larger body of scientific knowledge. My passion for scientific communication led me to pursue an Executive Diploma in Medical Writing from CliMed Research Solutions and Curio Training and Research Institute (CTRI), India. This certification has further refined my ability to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and its practical applications in healthcare. My passion for content writing drives me to continuously create content that derives engagement ,build trust, and leaves a lasting impression on readers”.