Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous preparation (that means from the patient), non-toxic, non-allergenic, obtained by centrifugation of the patient's blood, whose function is directly linked to the release of the growth factors of the patient's own platelets.
Growth factors are small biologically active protein fragments, produced and secreted by all cells of the body in response to a specific stimulus; these are found in greater proportion in platelets, in macrophages and among plasma proteins.
The PRP has multiple applications in medicine. Below are a series of scientific publications that endorse some of their properties:
Use of PRP in wounds healing
Diabetic foot ulceration is one of the chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. This condition has been treated over the years with debridement (a procedure that consists in removing all devitalized tissue), frequent dressing changes, and compression for wounds. The aforementioned techniques have proved to be effective.
In spite of the advances in the treatment of this pathology, this common complication prevails in many diabetic patients. Currently, it is a good choice to intend a more advanced treatment modality such as growth factors, because they may bring these benefits: faster healing times, recovered limb function and fewer probabilities of amputation.
Other clinical applications:
Platelet-rich plasma has proven to be useful in stimulating the natural processes of wound healing, soft tissue, and bone reconstruction.
PRP has the ability to integrate high concentration of platelet-derived growth factors, but also fibrin into the graft mixture.
Currently, this has been used in a great range of clinical applications. It is worth mentioning the increase in the rate of bone maturation, get better bone density when added to bony defects. It has also been used in wound healing and tissue sealing. An interesting use is a decrease in the length of hospitalization and the need for allogeneic blood products in a patient who undergoes surgical procedures.
