In vitro evaluation of the ability of platelet-rich plasma to seal an iatrogenic fetal membrane defect.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the ability of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to seal an iatrogenic fetal membrane defect.


METHODS
First, we evaluated the stability of a PRP plug in an amniotic fluid environment. Further, we evaluated the sealing capability of PRP plugs in an in vitro model that mimics a fetoscopic membrane defect. Finally, we examined its influence on membrane repair and cell proliferation in monolayer cell cultures and amnion-chorion tissue explants.


RESULTS
PRP plugs persisted in an amniotic fluid for a median time of 7 weeks. PRP plugs also provided waterproof sealing of a fetoscopic membrane defect. Finally, PRP stimulated cell proliferation in a monolayer cell culture and provided a good matrix for cell proliferation and migration in amnion-chorion tissue explants.


CONCLUSIONS
Our in vitro experiments suggest that PRP plugs may provide a long-lasting, waterproof sealing of fetal membrane defects and stimulate fetal membrane repair.
Lewi
L
L
Department of Woman and Child, Division Woman, Laboratory Experimental Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, K.U.Leuven, Belgium.
Liekens
D
D
Heyns
L
L
Poliard
E
E
Beutels
E
E
Deprest
J
J
Hoylaerts
M F
MF