Blood Transfusion Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Blood Transfusion, including details on blood donation, blood types, leukemia.

Reviewing the structural features of autologous platelet-leukocyte gel and suggestions for use in surgery.

Everts PA, Jakimowicz JJ, van Beek M, Schönberger JP, Devilee RJ, Overdevest EP, Knape JT, van Zundert A

Department of Perioperative Blood Management, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. everts@elive.nl

The therapeutic use of autologously prepared platelet-leukocyte gel (PLG) is a relatively new technology which might stimulate and accelerate soft-tissue and bone healing. The effectiveness of this procedure lies in the exogenous delivery of a wide range of platelet growth factors, intentionally released from autologously prepared PLG. The rationale to employ this technique is to mimic physiological wound healing and reparative tissue processes. Despite an increase in clinical PLG applications, the structures and kinetics of this biological material have not been completely examined. Electron microscopic imaging was performed to evaluate platelet-leukocyte gel structures. Furthermore, directions for PLG application are presented, based on results from published articles in various surgical disciplines. In conclusion, PLG can be useful in a wide range of clinical applications to enhance healing following surgical procedures, since exogenous applied PLG releases instantly platelet growth factors, in the presence of leukocytic cells.

Published 27 June 2007 in Eur Surg Res, 39(4): 199-207.
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