En coup de sabre treated with platelet-rich plasma

• Main Authors: Vasudha Abhijeet Belgaumkar, Nitika S Deshmukh, Bhavana Ravindra Doshi, Chandrakant B Mhaske
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
• Subjects: Contour defects; en coup de sabre; platelet rich plasma
• Online Access: http://www.ijdd.in/article.asp?issn=2455-3972;year=2015;volume=1;issue=1;spage=27;epage=29;aulast=Belgaumkar

Contour defects such as linear morphea are difficult to treat and can be a cause for great cosmetic and sociopsychological morbidity. The pivotal discovery of platelet-derived growth factors in promoting wound healing, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling has paved the way for various uses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We report a novel indication for this promising therapeutic modality with satisfactory results. A 24-year-old female presented with nonprogressive linear hyperpigmented atrophic lesion over the left supraorbital region and scalp of 15 years duration was diagnosed as linear morphea. She had taken immunosuppressants over the last 3 years with minimal improvement. PRP was obtained with a platelet count up to 2.5 times the baseline count. Calcium chloride (1:9) was added as an activator. About 3 ml of PRP was injected into the linear contour defect every week for a total duration of 12 weeks. The results were corroborated quantitatively by a repeat high frequency focal ultrasound which showed focal minimal irregularity over frontoparietal region of scalp corresponding to bony lesion measuring 0.5 cm × 1.8 cm (original defect of 1.4 cm × 1.8 cm). A remarkable reduction in hyperpigmentation of overlying skin was noted which further enhanced the cosmetic outcome. The effect was sustained until the end of follow-up period of 6 months after the last PRP sitting. No secondary changes or side effects were noted during the entire course of treatment. PRP therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of linear morphea over face and scalp as demonstrated in this case.