Platelet lysate-derived growth factors for topical treatment of postphlebitis ulcers

Introduction: platelet-derived growth factors are bio-active proteins that are synthesized and stored in the platelets. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of allogenic platelet lysate-derived growth factors in the topical treatment of postphlebitis ulcers. Methods: a quasi-experimental study with simultaneous control was conducted from January 2008 through December 2012 in the regenerative medicine service of "Comandante Pinares" general teaching hospital located in San Cristobal, Artemisa province, Cuba. One hundred and thirty five patients with diagnosis of postphlebitis ulcers, inadequate response to the conventional treatment and absence of other illnesses that could hinder such response to regenerative therapy were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: 90 treated with local use of compatible ABO allogenic platelet-derived platelet lysate and 45 kept under the conventional treatment (control group). The reaction time was the distinctive characteristic to measure the effectiveness of both treatments. Results: females and over 50 years-old age predominated. The main symptoms of the posphlebitic syndrome were present in a high number of patients in the group treated with the platelet lysate. Thirty days later, these symptoms significantly improved and the average ulcer area dramatically decreased. There was observed symptoms remission in eighty six patients in less than six weeks in contrast with only eight in the conventional group during this period. Conclusions: the use of allogenic platelet lysate-derived growth factors was effective in the topical treatment of postphlebitis ulcers.