Advantages of autologous platelet-rich fibrin membrane on gingival crevicular fluid growth factor levels and periodontal healing: A randomized split-mouth clinical study

Background: This study evaluates contributions of platelet- rich fibrin (PRF) combined with conventional flap surgery on growth factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal healing. Methods: Twenty-six patients (52 sites) with chronic periodontitis were treated either with autologous PRF with open flap debridement (OFD+PRF) or OFD alone. Growth factor levels in GCF at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery were analyzed, and clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD), relative clinical attachment level (rCAL), and gingival margin level (GML) at baseline and 9 months after surgery were measured. Results: Mean PD reduction and rCAL gain were significantly greater in OFD+PRF sites than in OFD sites. Mean GML change was -0.38 + 0.10 mm in OFD sites and 0.11 + 0.08 mm in the test group; difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P