L-PRF in extra-oral wound care

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Chronic wounds pose a significant global health burden, impacting patient quality of life and healthcare costs.
• Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is an autologous biomaterial derived from centrifuged blood.
• L-PRF membranes exhibit properties beneficial for tissue repair, including barrier function, antimicrobial activity, and growth factor release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of L-PRF in managing non-responding chronic wounds.
• To evaluate L-PRF's role in treating various challenging wound types.
• To provide clinical recommendations for L-PRF application in extra-oral wound treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on L-PRF for chronic wound treatment.
• Analysis of studies focusing on diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other complex wounds.
• Inclusion of data on L-PRF's impact on healing time and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• L-PRF demonstrates significant adjunctive benefits in accelerating the closure of chronic skin wounds.
• Treatment with L-PRF improves patient-reported outcomes, including pain reduction and decreased analgesic use.
• L-PRF facilitates healing in various demanding wound types, supporting tissue regeneration and neovascularization.

Conclusions:

• L-PRF is an effective adjunctive therapy for non-responding chronic wounds, enhancing healing and patient well-being.
• The regenerative properties of L-PRF make it a valuable tool for clinicians treating complex and chronic wounds.
• Recommendations are provided for the clinical application of L-PRF in extra-oral wound management.