Abstract
The supposition is that the usage of fibrin rich in leukocytes and platelets advanced (A-PRF) in ulcerative osteomyelitis of the diabetic foot allows rehabilitation from this critical illness. In this investigation, the focus was to normalize the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in patients with osteomyelitis not amputated, to use this second-generation platelet concentrate as a regeneration enabler. The researchers submitted and utilized A-PRF membranes (1300 g × 8 min) in 7 patients (all diabetics) with osteomyelitis and cutaneous injury for 6 months. The membranes, in combination with the supernatant fluid produced by stress, have been integrated into the skin lesion down to the bone after surgical debridement. The advancement of the lesions after some period of time has been analyzed. All 7 subjects had a probe-to-bone positive assay; magnetic resonance imaging indicated cortico-periosteal coagulation and/or foci of cortico-spongeous osteolysis contiguous to the lesion. Gram-positive bacteria were identified in our procedures in 52% of cases. Gram + Cocci, for example, Staphylococcus aureus (15.6%), β-hemolytic Streptococci (12.1%), Streptococcus viridans (7.1%), and Gram-negative bacteria, for example, Pseudomonas (10.6%), Proteus (7.8%), Enterobacter (5.7%) were present. Candida albicans was active in 2.8% of cases. The blood count showed no relevant differences. To date, cutaneous lesions have been cured in 6 of the 7 subjects treated (1 patient for more than 6 years) without any evidence of infection or recurrence. The results obtained on our subjects indicate that PRF membranes may be a therapeutic option in this problematic disease. In fact, this clinical approach may have the potential to promote the healing of diabetic skin lesions with osteomyelitis.
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