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Validation and Characterization of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Feline: A Prospective Analysis
Nicole Chun1, Sherman Canapp1,2, Brittany Jean Carr1
1Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Annapolis Junction, MD, United States.
Insights
This study quantifies platelet-rich plasma (PRP) product parameters in cats. The commercial system significantly increased platelet counts but decreased red blood cell and neutrophil concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hematology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is utilized for its regenerative properties.
- Characterizing PRP product composition is crucial for understanding its efficacy.
- Limited data exists on PRP parameters in feline species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify key parameters of a commercial platelet-rich plasma (PRP) product.
- To analyze platelet, red blood cell (RBC), and white blood cell (WBC) concentrations in feline PRP.
- To compare PRP product composition to baseline whole blood values in healthy adult cats.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of a commercially available PRP system in 11 healthy adult cats.
- Collection of paired whole blood and PRP samples immediately post-venipuncture.
- Determination of mean platelet, RBC, WBC, neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte concentrations.
- Statistical comparison of PRP product values to whole blood baseline values using paired t-tests (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- Significant increase in mean platelet concentration in PRP compared to whole blood (p = 0.0155).
- Significant decrease in mean RBC concentration in PRP (p < 0.0001).
- Significant decrease in mean neutrophil concentration in PRP (p < 0.0001).
- No significant differences observed in mean WBC, monocyte, or lymphocyte concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The evaluated commercial PRP system effectively concentrates platelets.
- The system significantly reduces RBC and neutrophil concentrations in the final PRP product.
- Further research is needed to establish clinical applications and optimal PRP parameters for therapeutic use in felines.
Abstract:
Objective: To quantitate key parameters of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) product from a commercially available system in healthy, adult felines. Materials and methods: A prospective study was performed from January 2019 to April 2019. 11 adult, healthy cats were used to prospectively analyze a commercially available PRP system. A whole blood sample and a PRP sample that was processed immediately following blood draw according to the manufacturer's protocol were collected from each cat. The mean whole blood and PRP product platelet, RBC, WBC, neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte concentrations were determined. The mean PRP product values were compared to the mean whole blood baseline values using a paired t-test with significance established at p = 0.05. Results: Mean platelet concentration was significantly increased (p = 0.0155). Mean RBC concentration was significantly decreased (p < 0.0001). Mean neutrophil concentration was significantly decreased (p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in mean WBC, monocyte, and lymphocyte concentrations. Clinical Relevance: The analyzed PRP system increased platelet concentration, while significantly reducing the RBC and neutrophil concentrations. Further study is warranted to determine the clinical applications and efficacy of PRP in felines, and the ideal concentrations of and relationships between platelets, red blood cells, and leukocytes needed for therapeutic effect.

