Abstract
Objectives
In a prior communication, we showed that ischemic rat groin flaps exposed to the free radical scavenger N-2 mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG) at the time of arterial and venous occlusion had a higher rate of survival than untreated flaps. In this study, the objective is to test the efficacy and timing of administration of MPG in salvaging rat groin flaps subjected to venous occlusion alone.
Methods
Randomized controlled trial. Main outcome is mean percentage of flap survival at 7 days. 30 mature Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 3 groups based on timing of treatment with MPG: 1- flap raised, no MPG, no venous occlusion (sham group); 2- flap raised, no MPG, 10-hour period of venous occlusion (control group); 3- flap raised, MPG after 10 hours venous occlusion (post-reperfusion group).
Results
There was no statistical difference noted in mean survival of venous occluded flaps when comparing the control and post-reperfusion groups, after 7 days. Specifically, the mean flap survival in the control group at 7 days was 10.9% (median 0%, range 0–100%). The mean flap survival in the post-reperfusion group was 14.6% (median 0%, range 0–100%). The mean flap survival in the sham group was 90.0% (median 100%, range 0–100%).
Conclusions
Post-reperfusion MPG administration is not helpful for flaps subjected to venous occlusion alone. The free-radical scavenger activity of MPG is potentiated within the tissues prior to vein occlusion. Potential applications for free flap salvage would need further study.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.