The synergistic effects of platelet-rich plasma and negative pressure wound therapy in cavitary infected wounds: a single-centre experience

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the combined application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in cavitary infected wounds, in addition to the parameter settings of NPWT. Methods The outcomes of patients with cavitary wounds who received debridement with either PRP plus NPWT (PRP group) or NPWT alone (controls) as part of their treatment protocol were retrospectively compared by examining preoperative and postoperative data on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage, bacterial cultures, pain (measured using visual analogue scale [VAS] scores), postoperative hospitalization duration, and effective hospitalization days. Results A total of 24 patients were included (11 who received PRP plus NPWT and 13 who received NPWT alone). Postoperative hs-CRP levels, ESR, VAS scores, and effective hospitalization days were found to be significantly reduced in the PRP group versus controls. Moreover, the PRP group exhibited a significantly elevated rate of bacterial culture conversion at postoperative day 3. Conclusions The integration of surgical debridement with PRP and NPWT in the management of infected cavitary wounds may expedite infection containment and bacterial eradication, stimulate granulation tissue formation, and facilitate cavity closure, offering a novel and uncomplicated approach to wound healing.