Although platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a biological material with high regenerative potential, its rapid resorption limits its clinical effectiveness. Albumin-platelet-rich fibrin (Alb-PRF), developed in recent years, exhibits prolonged resorption time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and biochemical effects of Alb-PRF application into periodontal pockets following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) using a randomized split-mouth design. This study included 23 patients diagnosed with Stage III Grade B periodontitis. Following completion of NSPT, Alb-PRF was applied into periodontal pockets at the test sites. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected on days 7, 14, and 21. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 6 months. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) in GCF were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Primary outcome measures included changes in probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and GCF growth factor levels, while secondary outcome measures included changes in plaque index, gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing, gingival recession, and radiographic parameters. GI, PD, and CAL were significantly lower at test sites at 3 months ( p < 0.01). However, these differences were not maintained at the 6-month follow-up. Radiographic defect depth and bone loss percentage were significantly lower at test sites at 6 months ( p < 0.01). Transforming growth factor-β values were significantly higher at test sites at all subsequent time points ( p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Alb-PRF may represent a beneficial adjunctive approach for early periodontal healing following NSPT; however, further studies are needed to clarify the sustainability of these effects over time. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07363135, registered on 15 January 2026 (retrospectively registered).
Özcan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.