Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma Enhances Healing of Chronic Wounds
Yuan, T.; Zhang, C.-Q.; Tang, M.-J.; Guo, S.-C.; Zeng, B.-F.
Wounds a Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice 21(10): 280-285
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1044-7946 PMID: 25902712 Document Number: 634822
Chronic wounds are a frequent problem in developing countries, are often difficult to heal because they lack the necessary growth factors to maintain the healing process, and are frequently complicated by superinfection. Conventional therapies such as dressings, surgical debridement, and even skin grafting cannot provide satisfactory healing since these treatments are not able to provide enough necessary growth factors to modulate the healing process. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as a concentrate of platelets, releases a high concentration of multiple growth factors that can modulate healing processes. Furthermore, PRP also contains a high level of leukocytes, which can inhibit infection. PRP has been widely used in many clinical applications. Three patients with large chronic wounds were treated with PRP and achieved good clinical outcomes.