title: Fibrin network pattern changes of platelet-rich fibrin in young versus old age group of individuals: A cell block cytology study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate variations in fibrin network patterns of the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in different age groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-five patients were divided into three age groups: Group 1: (20-39 years); Group 2: (40-59 years); and Group 3: (60 years and above). PRF was prepared from blood samples of all patients and were subjected to cell block cytology method of histological analysis and slides were prepared to histologically assess the age-related changes in (i) fibrin network patterns in terms of density and (ii) entrapment of platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) within fibrin meshwork.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two types of fibrin network pattern arrangements noticed: Dense and loose types in three age groups. However, there was a noticeable decrease in the dense type of fibrin network with progressing age and increase in the loose type of fibrin arrangement. Furthermore, variation in a number of platelets and WBCs entrapped within fibrin network in relation to age was noticed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From the current study it can be concluded that age can be considered as one of the influencing factors on quality of PRF in terms of fibrin network patterns and hence, platelet and WBCs entrapment within these fibrin networks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Shravanthi Raghav
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Yajamanya
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Anirban
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Chaitanya Nischay
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Babu
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Deepika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Karunanithi
keywords: Age; fibrin network patterns; platelet-rich fibrin; platelets; white blood cell