The effectiveness of intralesional injection of platelet‐rich plasma in accelerating the healing of chronic ulcers: an experimental and clinical study

The purpose of this prospective experimental and clinical study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intralesional injection of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), in the management of non‐healing chronic wounds. Skin defects were created in the ears of 20 white New Zealand rabbits. In the study group, autologous PRP was injected intralesionally. The control group was treated conservatively. Nineteen out of 20 cases of the study group healed within a mean time of 24·9 days. In the control group, seven defects healed within a mean period of 26·7 days, seven ulcers did not heal at day 28 and in six cases a full thickness ear defect was recorded. For a 3‐year period, 26 patients with chronic ulcers underwent surgical debridement and intralesional injection of PRP. A histological study was performed before and 7 days after PRP injection. Ten patients healed within a mean period of 7 weeks. In 16 cases, PRP prepared the wound bed for the final and simpler reconstructive procedure. Intralesional injection is a newly described method for application of PRP and represents an effective therapeutic option when dealing with non‐healing wounds.     

Neuropathic ulcers in leprosy treated with intralesional platelet‐rich plasma

Neuropathic ulcers in leprosy represent a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Chronic ulcers affect patient health, emotional state and quality of life, causing considerable morbidity and mortality in addition to contributing to significant health care costs. The pathogenesis is mainly related to the abnormally increased pressure in areas such as the sole of the foot, secondary to lack of sensation and deformities induced by peripheral sensory‐motor neuropathy. Conventional treatment of these wounds can be slow due to their chronic inflammatory state and the senescence of local reparative cells. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) may restore the healing process, leading to a reparative phase. We present two patients with four neuropathic leprosy ulcers that have responded satisfactory to PRP treatment. PRP therapy has been growing as a viable treatment alternative for chronic ulcers. However, stronger scientific evidence is required to support its potential benefit for use in chronic wounds.     

The growing evidence for the use of platelet‐rich plasma on diabetic chronic wounds: A review and a proposal for a new standard care

Nonhealing chronic wounds and exposed tendons, bones and joints are very challenging to cure specially for diabetic patients. Plastic surgeons have a new weapon to enhance wound healing with the use of autologous growth factors. Recently, the process of fabrication of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been simplified. The goal of this literature review is to summarize the evidenced‐based body of knowledge regarding the treatment of diabetic chronic wounds by PRP. A PubMed and Cochrane search (1978–2015) was performed and all studies assessing the clinical effect of PRP on the healing of diabetic chronic wounds were included. The screening retrieved 7,555 articles and 12 studies were included. On six randomized studies included, five found significant benefits for the use of PRP on diabetic chronic foot ulcers and the sixth randomized study did not publish a statistical analysis but found favorable outcomes. The two other controlled studies included found significant benefits regarding the healing rate and the four uncontrolled studies included showed high rates of healing with the adjunction of PRP. Regarding the method of use, PRP was applied on the wound as a gel twice a week (41.7% of studies) or once a week (33.3% of studies). In conclusion, 87.5% of controlled studies found a significant benefit for the adjunction of PRP to treat chronic diabetic wounds. As PRP may be beneficial, we suggest using PRP on diabetic ulcers which remain unhealed after standard treatment.     

Autologous platelet‐rich plasma injection enhances healing of chronic venous leg ulcer: A prospective randomised study

Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) application versus PRP injection for chronic venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing compared with compression therapy as a control. From July 2018 to December 2019, 90 chronic VLU patients were randomly assigned to PRP dressings (n = 30), local PRP injections (n = 30), and compression therapy alone (n = 30). Standard compression accompanied both PRP groups. The main endpoints were ulcer healing and area reduction within 3, 6, and 12 months. Complications and ulcer recurrence were also recorded. The study included 72 (80.0%) males and 18 (20.0%) females aged 22 to 66 years, having VLUs for 1 to 11 years. PRP injection promoted healing (24/30, 80%) more than PRP application (20/30, 66.7%) and compression (14/30, 46.7%), P = .007. Healing time was significantly shorter after PRP injection compared with the other two groups. A greater area reduction was observed after PRP injection compared with compression at all follow‐up visits, P = .013, .002, and < .001, and compared with PRP application only at 3 months post‐treatment, P = .016. Recurrence and complications were comparable among the groups. PRP injection enhances the healing of chronic venous ulcers more than each of PRP application and compression therapy. All had comparable recurrence and safety.     

Histological analysis of fat grafting with platelet‐rich plasma for diabetic foot ulcers—A randomised controlled trial

Diabetic foot ulcers are often unresponsive to conventional therapy and are a leading cause of amputation. Animal studies have shown stem cells and growth factors can accelerate wound healing. Adipose‐derived stem cells are found in fat grafts and mixing them with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) may improve graft survival. This study aimed to establish the histological changes when diabetic foot ulcers are treated with fat grafts and PRP. A three‐armed RCT was undertaken of 18 diabetic foot ulcer patients: fat grafting; fat grafting with PRP; and routine podiatry care. Biopsies were obtained at week 0, 1, and 4, and underwent quantitative histology/immunohistochemistry (H&E, CD31, and Ki67). Treatment with fat and PRP increased mean microvessel density at 1 week to 1645 (SD 96) microvessels/mm² (+32%‐45% to other arms, P = .035). PRP appeared to increase vascularity surrounding fat grafts, and histology suggested PRP may enhance fat graft survival. There was no clinical difference between arms. This study demonstrates PRP with fat grafts increased neovascularisation and graft survival in diabetic foot ulcers. The histology was not, however, correlated with wound healing time. Future studies should consider using apoptosis markers and fluorescent labelling to ascertain if enhanced fat graft survival is due to proliferation or reduced apoptosis. Trial registration {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT03085550","term_id":"NCT03085550"}}NCT03085550.     

Effects of homologous and heterologous rich platelets plasma,compared to poor platelets plasma,on cutaneous healing of rabbits

Purpose:To evaluate and compare the effects of homologous and heterologous PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) on the quality and speed of skin wound healing, compared to Poor Platelet Plasma (PPP).Methods:Twenty-one male adult rabbits were used; two for preparing homologous PRP, with the rest of them separated randomly in three groups, according to the treatment received: PPP - control (n=5), homologous PRP (n=7), heterologous (n=7). Excisional skin wounds were made on the back of the animals, for the application of homologous and heterologous PPP and PRP. At the 14th post-operative day (POD), the animals were subjected to a new wound, and the treatments were inverted. The wounds were evaluated macroscopically and histologically.Results:A larger percentage of scar retraction was observed on the group treated with heterologous PRP, compared to homologous PRP, at the third POD, an increase of 25.03% (p=0.01). No other statistically significant differences among treatments were observed. Among every group, skin healing was efficient, without local adverse effects.Conclusions:Heterologous PRP contributed with more tissue retraction at the beginning of the wound healing process. After this, there were no differences on the wound healing skin process treated with PRP or PPP. However, our findings suggest the presence of others plasmatic factors, besides platelets, which could also contribute to the wound healing process, and thus, should be further investigated.Key words: Platelet-Rich Plasma, Wound Healing, Rabbits     

Two-step autologous grafting using HYAFF scaffolds in treating difficult diabetic foot ulcers: results of a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial with long-term follow-up

This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of an autologous tissue-engineered graft--a 2-step HYAFF autograft--in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers compared with standard care. In all, 180 patients with dorsal or plantar diabetic foot ulcers (unhealed for ≥1 month) were randomized to receive Hyalograft-3D autograft first and then Laserskin autograft after 2 weeks (n = 90; treatment group) or nonadherent paraffin gauze (n = 90; control group). Efficacy and adverse events were assessed weekly for 12 weeks, at 20 weeks, and at 18 months. The primary efficacy outcome was complete ulcer healing at 12 weeks. Wound debridement, adequate pressure relief, and infection control were provided to both groups. At 12 weeks, complete ulcer healing was similar in both groups (24% of treated vs 21% controls). A 50% reduction in ulcer area was achieved significantly faster in the treatment group (mean 40 vs 50 days; P = .018). Weekly percentage ulcer reduction was consistently higher in the treatment group. At 20 weeks, ulcer healing was achieved in 50% of the treated group as compared with 43% of controls. Dorsal ulcers had a 2.17-fold better chance of wound healing per unit time following autograft treatment (P = .047). In a subgroup with hard-to-heal ulcers, there was a 3.65-fold better chance of wound healing following autograft treatment of dorsal ulcers (P = .035). Adverse events were similar in both groups. The study results demonstrated the potential of this bioengineered substitutes to manage hard-to-heal dorsal foot ulcers.     

富血小板血浆对大鼠跟腱断裂早期愈合的影响

目的富血小板血浆(platelet-rich plasma,PRP)具有促进损伤组织修复作用。通过观察PRP局部注射对大鼠跟腱断裂早期愈合的影响,为临床应用提供实验依据。方法 SPF级SD大鼠46只,雌雄不限,体重190～240 g。取10只大鼠心脏动脉血制备PRP及贫血小板血浆(platelet-poor plasma,PPP);其余36只随机分为3组(n=12),分别为空白对照组、PPP组及PRP组。大鼠制备双侧跟腱断裂模型后,PPP组和PRP组跟腱周围局部对应注射PPP及PRP,每侧100μL,每周1次至处死;空白对照组不作处理。术后观察大鼠一般情况,于1、2、3、4周取双侧跟腱,行大体、组织学及免疫组织化学染色观察,测量新生跟腱Ⅰ型胶原纤维含量;并于4周行生物力学测试。结果大鼠均存活至实验完成。随着时间延长,各组大鼠跟腱水肿逐渐减退,滑动性逐渐改善;术后3周内各组跟腱粘连逐渐加重,4周时减轻,1、4周时各组跟腱粘连程度分级差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后1周PRP组炎性细胞浸润、毛细血管及胶原纤维增殖较空白对照组、PPP组明显,之后炎性反应及毛细血管生成逐渐减少。各时间点各组均可见Ⅰ型胶原纤维阳性表达,术后1、2、3周PRP组Ⅰ型胶原纤维阳性密度值多于空白对照组和PPP组(P<0.05),4周时3组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。生物力学测试:术后4周3组跟腱最大滑动距离比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);PRP组跟腱弹性模量及最大抗拉力明显高于空白对照组及PPP组(P<0.05)。结论大鼠跟腱断裂早期于断端周围注射PRP能促进跟腱愈合。     

Perilesional injections of human platelet lysate versus platelet poor plasma for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A double-blinded prospective clinical trial

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major cause of morbidity, non-traumatic lower limb amputation in diabetic patients and a high-cost burden on the healthcare system. New therapeutic products are increasingly tested. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and human platelet lysate (hPL) are reported to be useful. This trial was conducted to test whether the healing effect of hPL in chronic DFU was due to plasma or platelet lysates in a prospective double-blind design. Autologous PRP was obtained from citrated blood, lysed, and used as drug 1 (active product). The platelet-poor plasma (PPP) was used as a drug 2 (placebo). Ten patients were enrolled in arm 1 and 9 in arm 2. The drugs were injected perilesionally every 2 weeks for a total of sixinjections. Adverse events were recorded until Week 14. The DFUs were scored per the Texas and Wegner systems. No patient showed any major adverse events. Some reported local pain post-injection. Wound healing was achieved in the hPL group in 9/10 of patients at a mean of 35.1 days. In the PPP group, no patient had healed by Day 84. The difference was statistically significant at P < 0.00001. We conclude that autologous hPL is safe and highly effective in healing chronic DFU and is superior to autologous PPP.     

A randomized,controlled trial of Promogran (a collagen/oxidized regenerated cellulose dressing) vs standard treatment in the management of diabetic foot ulcers

HYPOTHESIS: Promogran, a wound dressing consisting of collagen and oxidized regenerated cellulose, is more effective that standard care in treating chronic diabetic plantar ulcers. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled multicenter trial. SETTING: University teaching hospitals and primary care centers. PATIENTS: A total of 276 patients from 11 centers were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 58.3 years (range, 23-85 years). All patients had at least 1 diabetic foot ulcer. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive Promogran (n = 138) or moistened gauze (control group; n = 138) and a secondary dressing. Dressings were changed when clinically required. The maximum follow-up for each patient was 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Complete healing of the study ulcer (wound). RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, 51 (37.0%) Promogran-treated patients had complete wound closure compared with 39 (28.3%) control patientss, but this difference was not statistically significant (P =.12). The difference in healing between treatment groups achieved borderline significance in the subgroup of patients with wounds of less than 6 months' duration. In patients with ulcers of less than 6 months' duration, 43 (45%) of 95 Promogran-treated patients healed compared with 29 (33%) of 89 controls (P =.056). In the group with wounds of at least 6 months' duration, similar numbers of patients healed in the control (10/49 [20%]) and the Promogran (8/43 [19%]; P =.83) groups. No differences were seen in the safety measurements between groups. Patients and investigators expressed a strong preference for Promogran compared with moistened gauze. CONCLUSIONS: Promogran was comparable to moistened gauze in promoting wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. It showed an additional efficacy for ulcers of less than 6 months' duration that was of marginal statistical significance. Furthermore, Promogran had a safety profile that was similar to that of moistened gauze, with greater user satisfaction. Therefore, Promogran may be a useful adjunct in the management of diabetic foot ulceration, especially in ulcers of less than 6 months' duration.     

Heparin‐Conjugated Poly(Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid) Nanospheres Enhance Large‐Wound Healing by Delivering Growth Factors in Platelet‐Rich Plasma

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) contains many growth factors that are involved in tissue regeneration processes. For successful tissue regeneration, protein growth factors require a delivery vehicle for long‐term and sustained release to a defect site in order to maintain their bioactivity. Previously, we showed that heparin‐conjugated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanospheres (HCPNs) can provide long‐term delivery of growth factors with affinity for heparin. In this study, we hypothesize that treatment of a skin wound with a mixture of PRP and HCPNs would provide long‐term delivery of several growth factors contained in PRP to promote the skin wound healing process with preservation of bioactivity. The release of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB), contained in PRP, from HCPN with fibrin gel (FG) showed a prolonged release period versus a PRP mixture with FG alone (FG‐PRP). Also, growth factors released from PRP with HCPN and FG showed sustained human dermal fibroblast growth for 12 days. Full‐thickness skin wound treatment in mice with FG‐HCPN‐PRP resulted in much faster wound closure as well as dermal and epidermal regeneration at day 9 compared with treatment with FG‐HCPN or FG‐PRP. The enhanced wound healing using FG‐HCPN‐PRP may be due to the prolonged release not only of PDGF‐BB but also of other growth factors in the PRP. The delivered growth factors accelerated angiogenesis at the wound site.     

Autologous platelet gel and platelet-poor plasma reduce pain with total shoulder arthroplasty

The recovery of patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can be adversely affected by a number of complications. Autologous platelet gel (APG), produced by activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has been shown to improve hemostasis and wound healing and reduce infections in some surgical procedures. Activated platelet-poor plasma (PPP) has also been used as a hemostatic agent. This study examines the effects of APG and PPP treatment on TSA patients postoperatively. After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, 40 patients undergoing TSA at our institution were prospectively enrolled in our study. They were randomized into either a control (n = 20) or study (n = 20) group, with the study group receiving APG and PPP treatment. Preoperative demographic data, pre- and postoperative laboratory data, pain scores, pain medication, complications, pre- and postoperative range of motion measurements, and postoperative lengths of stay were recorded for each group. The preoperative internal rotation index was significantly higher in the control group compared with treatment patients (4.64 +/- 4.46 vs. 1.88 +/- 2.44, p < .05). The percent hemoglobin retained postoperatively was higher in the treatment group at 24 (84.54 +/- 5.32 vs. 79.87 +/- 8.73) and 72 hours (87.46 +/- 16.03 vs. 76.70 vs. 5.96), but neither difference reached statistical significance. The treatment group had significantly lower pain scores (p = .007) and total fentanyl requirements (p < .05) compared with control patients. The internal rotation index improvement factor (postoperative internal rotation index/preoperative internal rotation index) was significantly higher in the treatment group vs. the control group (p < .05). Although it did not reach statistical significance, the treatment group was discharged almost 9 hours earlier than the control group (64.44 +/- 15.23 vs. 73.39 +/- 15.37). APG and PPP treatment decreased pain and provided a greater increase in internal rotation measurements postoperatively.     

富血小板血浆联合中空螺钉内固定治疗股骨颈骨折

目的探讨自体富血小板血浆(PRP)联合中空螺钉内固定治疗股骨颈骨折的近期临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2012年5月至2018年5月期间漯河医学高等专科学校第二附属医院采用中空螺钉内固定治疗的160例股骨颈骨折患者资料。根据是否采用PRP配合治疗分为两组(n=80):PRP组男46例,女34例;年龄为(52.3±7.6)岁;骨折Garden分型:Ⅰ型1例,Ⅱ型5例,Ⅲ型57例,Ⅳ型17例;采用中空螺钉内固定联合PRP治疗。对照组男41例,女39例;年龄为(50.6±7.3)岁;骨折Garden分型:Ⅰ型2例,Ⅱ型7例,Ⅲ型51例,Ⅳ型20例;采用中空螺钉内固定治疗。记录并比较两组患者的骨折愈合时间、骨不连和股骨头缺血性坏死发生率及髋关节Harris评分等。结果两组患者术前一般资料比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。160例患者术后获12~36个月随访。PRP组患者的骨折愈合时间[(4.3±1.0)个月]显著短于对照组患者[(7.3±1.3)个月],术后骨不连发生率[0%(0/80)]、股骨头缺血性坏死发生率[3.8%(3/80)]显著低于对照组患者[7.5%(6/80)、15.0%(12/80)],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PRP组患者术后6、12个月髋关节Harris评分分别为(88.7±5.3)、(94.2±4.8)分,均显著高于对照组患者[(81.4±4.6)、(84.2±5.2)分],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论与单纯中空螺钉内固定相比,PRP联合中空螺钉内固定治疗股骨颈骨折能明显缩短患者骨折愈合时间,降低股骨头缺血性坏死的发生率,提高髋关节功能。     

Intralesional allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells application in chronic diabetic foot ulcer: Phase I/2 safety study

BackgroundImpaired wound healing is a major cause of morbidity in diabetic patients by causing chronic ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the safety and outcomes after intralesional allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection in chronic diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsTwenty patients (12 male and eight female) were involved in the study. We randomized the patients into two groups of 10 patients each. The study group was treated with allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection with standard diabetic wound care. The control group received only standard diabetic wound care. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, wound closure time, amputation rates and clinical scores were evaluated.ResultsThe mean age was 57.3 ± 6.6 years. The mean follow-up duration was 48.0 (range, 26–50) months. Wound closure was achieved in 17 of 20 lesions (study group, 9 lesions; control group, 8 lesions; respectively). The mean time to wound closure was 31.0 ± 10.7 (range, 22–55) days in the study group, 54.8 + 15.0 (range, 30–78) days in the control group (p = 0.002). In three patients, minor amputations were performed (one patient in study group; two patients in the control group, p = 0.531). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of postoperative Short Form 36- physical functioning (p = 0.017) and Short Form 36-general health (p = 0.010).ConclusionAllogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injection was found to be a safe and effective method with a positive contribution to wound-healing time in the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.     

富血小板血浆凝胶制备及对大鼠皮瓣成活的作用分析

目的寻找制备富血小板血浆(platelet-rich plasma,PRP)的最佳离心方案,并制备PRP凝胶用于皮下注射促进大鼠皮瓣成活,探讨其有效性及作用机制。方法取12周龄健康Wistar大鼠72只,体重250～300 g。于24只大鼠心脏取动脉血8～10 mL/只,分别采用3种离心方法制备PRP。A组:以200×g离心15 min、500×g离心10 min;B组:以312×g离心10 min、1 248×g离心10 min;C组:以200×g离心15 min,200×g离心10 min。在PRP制作过程中取各组全血、PRP及贫血小板血浆(platelet-poor plasma,PPP)行血小板计数,根据血小板计数结果选择最佳离心方案,并取对应的PRP、PPP及第1次离心后血清,采用ELISA法测定PDGF-BB和TGF-β1浓度;并制备PRP及PPP凝胶。于48只大鼠背部制备大小为11 cm×3 cm的皮瓣,随机分为3组(n=16):PRP组每只大鼠皮瓣下注射100 mL PRP凝胶,PPP组同法注射100 mL PPP凝胶,对照组不作处理。术后大体观察皮瓣成活情况,7 d后取材计算成活率;组织学观察计数炎性细胞,免疫组织化学染色计数微血管;于术后8、24 h,3、7 d行实时荧光定量PCR检测VEGF、EGF、PDGF-AA和PDGF-BB mRNA表达。结果血小板计数结果示,A组血小板浓缩倍数最高,为最佳制备方法。A组PRP中TGF-β1、PDGF-BB浓度明显高于血清及PPP(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,术后PRP组伤口无脓性分泌物;PRP组皮瓣成活率为61.2%±9.1%,与PPP组35.8%±11.3%及对照组28.0%±5.4%比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PRP组炎性细胞计数较PPP组及对照组明显减少,微血管计数明显高于其余两组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实时荧光定量PCR检测示与PPP组及对照组比较,PRP组VEGF及PDGF-BB mRNA术后均高表达,而EGF mRNA仅在术后24 h内呈高表达,PDGF-AA mRNA在3 d后开始高表达。术后3 d及7 d PRP组PDGF-AA、8 h PDGF-BB、24 h及3 d VEGF、24 h EGF的mRNA相对表达量与其他两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论以200×g离心15 min、500×g离心10 min是制备PRP的最佳离心方案。PRP凝胶可通过调节血管生发相关基因促进大鼠皮瓣成活。     

A case report on the use of sustained release platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of chronic pressure ulcers

Abstract

Background/objectives: Chronic pressure ulcers affect patient health, emotional state, and quality of life, causing considerable morbidity and mortality in addition to contributing to significant health care costs from lengthy hospitalizations to advanced home care and surgical care costs. The conventional treatment of these wounds can be slow due to their chronic inflammatory state and the senescence of local reparative cells. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been growing as a viable treatment alternative for a number of clinical applications and has potential benefit for use in chronic wounds. The sustained release of large quantities of autologous growth factors, cytokines, and other mediators found in PRP plus the favorable mononuclear cell profile of PRP may help us to stimulate wound healing and resolve chronic inflammation.

Methods: Three veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI), presenting with chronic stage IV pressure ulcers, were treated with a sustained release PRP therapy to stimulate wound healing.

Results: PRP treatment consistently resulted in the formation of granulation tissue and improved vascularity for each of the three patients treated, while reducing the overall ulcer area and volume.

Conclusion: The controlled release of growth factors from PRP demonstrated a positive stimulatory effect on the healing rate of chronic pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI.     

A case report on the use of sustained release platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of chronic pressure ulcers

Background/objectives

Chronic pressure ulcers affect patient health, emotional state, and quality of life, causing considerable morbidity and mortality in addition to contributing to significant health care costs from lengthy hospitalizations to advanced home care and surgical care costs. The conventional treatment of these wounds can be slow due to their chronic inflammatory state and the senescence of local reparative cells. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been growing as a viable treatment alternative for a number of clinical applications and has potential benefit for use in chronic wounds. The sustained release of large quantities of autologous growth factors, cytokines, and other mediators found in PRP plus the favorable mononuclear cell profile of PRP may help us to stimulate wound healing and resolve chronic inflammation.

Methods

Three veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI), presenting with chronic stage IV pressure ulcers, were treated with a sustained release PRP therapy to stimulate wound healing.

Results

PRP treatment consistently resulted in the formation of granulation tissue and improved vascularity for each of the three patients treated, while reducing the overall ulcer area and volume.

Conclusion

The controlled release of growth factors from PRP demonstrated a positive stimulatory effect on the healing rate of chronic pressure ulcers in individuals with SCI.     

自体富血小板血浆在断指再植患者术后创面愈合中的效果

目的 探究在断指再植术后患者中应用凡士林纱布+自体富血小板血浆（PRP）覆盖的效果。方法 选 取2022年3月-2023年6月于我院实施断指再植术的59例患者为研究对象,根据治疗方法不同分为对照组 （n =29）和试验组（n =30）,对照组采用凡士林纱布覆盖创面,试验组采用凡士林纱布+PRP覆盖创面, 比较两组创面愈合情况、疼痛程度、恢复效果、不良反应发生情况。结果 试验组创面完全愈合时间为 （18.73±2.90）d,短于对照组的（25.68±1.89）d（P ＜0.05）;试验组创面愈合率为（70.10±6.83）%, 高于对照组的（53.79±6.12）%（P ＜0.05）;试验组治疗后VAS评分为（3.90±0.75）分,低于对照组的 （2.90±0.80）分（P ＜0.05）;试验组恢复优良率为100.00%,高于对照组的96.55%（P ＜0.05）;试验组不 良反应发生率为0,低于对照组的3.45%,但差异无统计学意义（P ＞0.05）。结论 在断肢再植后患者中应 用PRP覆盖于凡士林纱布修复创面的效果确切,能提高创面愈合速度,改善其疼痛程度,进而降低不良反 应发生率,值得临床应用。     

Autologous fibroblasts to treat deep and complicated leg ulcers in diabetic patients

Large complicated leg ulcers, not responsive to standard therapy, after surgical debridement and under parenteral specific antibiosis, must be occlusively covered to improve wound healing. In 10 diabetic patients with deep (Wagner degree 3), large, and Staphylococcus aureus (n=7) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=5)-infected leg (n=1), or foot (n=9) ulcers, we have applied, as a coverage, meshes of in vitro expanded autologous fibroblasts. Complete ulcer healing was observed in seven patients after 8, 12, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 weeks from the first graft application (Figures 2 and 3). Two patients had >70% wound healing at 20 and 28 weeks after the first treatment. One patient, previously submitted to a bypass vascular procedure, died of acute myocardial infarction 16 weeks after the first fibroblast autograft application and with a healing wound evenly filled with granulation tissue. In our opinion, the application of autologous in vitro expanded fibroblasts is a satisfactory therapeutic option to treat large leg ulcers and is particularly indicated in patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases on steroid treatment.     

Comparison of platelet‐rich plasma gel in the care of the pressure ulcers with the dressing with serum physiology in terms of healing process and dressing costs

This research was carried out with the aim of comparing the effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) gel and gas dressing with serum physiologic applied to stage II pressure ulcer in coccyx of patients for 2 months on healing process and dressing costs. This prospective randomised controlled experimental study was conducted with 60 patients hospitalised in the palliative care unit after surgery. The experimental group (n = 30) was dressed with platelet‐rich plasma gel. The control group (n = 30) was treated with serum physiologic dressing. At the end of the 20th observation of the patients in the experimental group, it was found that the mean scores of area, exudate, and tissue type in pressure sores decreased statistically (P < .001). In the control group, no significant difference was found between the mean PUSH score at the end of the 20th observation (P > .05). The study showed that PRP gel had a positive effect on healing of stage II pressure ulcers with platelet‐rich plasma gel dressings. In addition, when evaluated in the long term, it was concluded that platelet‐rich plasma gel is easily accessible and less costly than serum physiological dressing.