Platelet- and Leukocyte-Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of Patients with Postphlebitic Ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous ulcers can be acute or chronic. Chronic ulcers suffer a phenomenon of stagnation in their healing mechanisms that makes them unable to complete healing.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin in the treatment of patients with postphlebitic ulcers.

Methods: Quasi-experimental study with simultaneous control, in the Angiology services and the blood bank of the General Teaching Hospital Comandante Pinares, in the period from January 2012 to December 2022. The sample consisted of 122 cases. It was calculated by EPIDAT version 1.3. Patients were included in two groups, once they consented to enter the study: 67 used platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin associated with conventional treatment (study), and 55 only with conventional treatment (control).

Results: The germs isolated in the initial exudate were Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, mixed flora and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. After administration of the biomaterial, no bacterial growth was obtained. There was significant decrease (p < 0.001) for pain (73.4 % less), inflammation (39.9 % less) and secretion (46.7 % less) compared to the control group; likewise, for stench (p < 0.02).

Conclusions: Platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin was effective in the treatment of postphlebitic ulcers.