J Reconstr Microsurg Open 2016; 01(02): 106-110
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593403
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Effects of Clopidogrel and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin on Viability of Random Skin Flaps in Rats

Fabio Antonio Vieira
1   Division of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Marcela Fernandes
1   Division of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Sandra Gomes Valente
1   Division of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Luis Renato Nakachima
1   Division of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Carlos Henrique Fernandes
1   Division of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
João Baptista Gomes Dos Santos
1   Division of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
› Institutsangaben
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

29. Juli 2016

08. August 2016

Publikationsdatum:
27. September 2016 (online)

Abstract

Background The viability of skin flaps is critical and greatly affects patient's quality of life. Effects of anticoagulant use on focal skin flap necrosis were explored, administering clopidogrel or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) singly and in combination.

Methods Adult male rats (N = 40) were randomly assigned to one of four equally divided groups, raising a random dorsal flap (10 × 4 cm) on each animal and delivering either no drug (control group) or daily applications of LMWH (4 mg/kg), clopidogrel (20 mg/kg), or both agents (LMWH–Clop) for a 7-day period. Thereafter, area and the percentage of flap necrosis (NP) were individually determined.

Results Average NP values were as follows: controls, 51.61%; LMWH, 49.50%; clopidogrel, 27.70%; and LMWH–Clop, 29.71%.

Conclusion Clopidogrel significantly enhanced the viability of random skin flap in rats, whereas single-agent LMWH or its combined usage conferred no significant benefits in this setting.

 
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