Antimicrobial Effect of Platelet- and Leukocyte-rich Fibrin in Patients with Post-phlebitic Ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of ulcer infection is based on clinical signs such as periulcerous erythema, edema, increased temperature compared to the rest of the limb, cellulitis, increased exudate, and changes in appearance (purulent and malodorous). In addition, there is a recurrence of pain.

Objective: To describe the antimicrobial effect of platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin in patients with post-phlebitic ulcers.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal intervention study was conducted in the Angiology Department and Blood Bank of the Comandante Pinares General Teaching Hospital between January 2012 and December 2022. The sample consisted of 122 cases, calculated using EPIDAT version 1.3. Those who met the inclusion criteria were considered: inadequate response to conventional treatment, no reduction in the area of the lesion, no epithelialization of the lesion, and absence of other underlying diseases that would prevent a response to regenerative therapy, in addition to informed consent.

Results: Staphylococcus aureus was the most represented with 117 positives (95.9%) of the 122 exudates performed; in second place was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (103; 84.4%); in third place was mixed flora (92; 75.4%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (80; 65.5%), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (73; 59.8%), and Escherichia coli (57; 46.7%). These results did not differ from those found in the control group Χ2 = 3.0644 p = 0.6901. No bacterial growth was observed after administration of the biomaterial.

Conclusions: Platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin has an antimicrobial effect in the treatment of post-phlebitic ulcers.