Use of plasma rich in growth factors for symptoms of diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Summary Painful peripheral polyneuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is a significant source of chronic disability and remains a challenging condition with no available disease-modifying treatment. In the present case report, we describe the treatment of a patient featuring painful diabetic neuropathy with perineural injections of autologous plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). At one-year post-procedure, the patient exhibited improved scores on the neuropathic pain scale and improvement in the activity level. Learning points Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is an autologous product that can be prepared and administered in a physician’s office. PRGF can be infiltrated as a liquid, creating a three-dimensional gel scaffold in the body. PRGF releases growth factors involved in nerve healing. PRGF may be established as a potent alternative treatment of painful diabetic polyneuropathy.