title: The "biological chamber" method – use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of poorly healing lower-leg ulcers of venous origin.
abstract: Wound healing is a complex pathophysiological process, in which platelets play a crucial role. Platelet alpha-granules release growth factors to the wound bed; the factors are necessary in the healing process. In chronic wounds, such as poorly healing lower-leg ulcers of venous origin, there is decreased activity of multiple growth factors, so the concept of exogenous delivery of such factors seems a logical strategy. Platelet-rich plasma therapy in patients with lower-leg ulcers of venous origin combined with conventional treatment methods (previously ineffective in these patients) seems, based on our observation, an important adjunct leading to recovery. The aim of the study was to present an original method of autologous platelet-rich plasma application through the creation of a sort of "biological chamber" containing a concentrate of growth factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The described therapy was implemented in 10 patients, who had been ineffectively treated for more than one year in the outpatient setting. Patients with exacerbation of inflammatory process, signs of wound infection and ankle brachial pressure index < 0.8 were excluded from the study. After the application of platelet-rich plasma, further treatment was continued with the use of moist therapy and compression therapy according to a uniform regimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete healing was achieved within 4-10 weeks from the beginning of the product administration in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presented method seems technically simple, effective and relatively inexpensive.
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Waniczek
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mikusek
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kamiński
authors.forename: Mariusz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wesecki
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Lorenc
authors.forename: Agata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cieślik-Bielecka
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*