Autologous platelet-rich fibrin injections in the management of facial cutaneous sinus tracts secondary to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Dermatol Ther. 2020 May;33(3):e13334. doi: 10.1111/dth.13334. Epub 2020 Apr 2.

Abstract

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is an infectious complication of antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drug therapies. In severe stages of this disease cutaneous sinus tracts may be observed. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate used in medicine and dentistry for to promote tissue healing. This report describes the management of facial cutaneous sinus tracts secondary to MRONJ with autologous PRF injections. Eight patients with the diagnosis MRONJ and facial sinus tracts were enrolled in this study and received treatment. MRONJ lesions underwent pharmacological and surgical treatment. Sinus tracts received 1-mL injections of PRF around the fistula using an insulin syringe once a week for four times starting from the day of the surgical treatment. After 4 weeks, six patients showed healing of the fistula and bone lesions, only one patient showed healing of the fistula, and no remission was reported in another one. All patients reported an improvement of the symptoms in the first 2 days after the treatment session. Patients were also satisfied from an aesthetic point of view. Further studies will be needed to determine if PRF is a valid therapeutic option in dermatology.

Keywords: PRF; osteonecrosis; sinus tract.

MeSH terms

  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* / etiology
  • Fistula*
  • Humans
  • Jaw
  • Platelet-Rich Fibrin*
  • Wound Healing