Autologous platelets and leukocytes can improve healing of infected high-energy soft tissue injury

Abstract

Despite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacology, healing of injury-associated soft tissue defects is frequently complicated by infections, which often requires a secondary intervention. Cytokines are important mediators of healing. Application of autologous platelet-rich plasma enriched in growth factors and antimicrobial proteins, known also as platelet-leukocyte rich plasma (PLRP), represents a novel approach to the treatment of soft tissue and bone healing disturbances. This case is the first report on the application of PLRP in an infected high-energy soft tissue injury and shows that the volume and concentration of platelets and leukocytes is adequate to induce healing processes despite concurrent infection.