Vasc Spec Int.  2019 Mar;35(1):22-27. 10.5758/vsi.2019.35.1.22.

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Nonhealing Ulcers: A Comparative Study

• Tsachiridi M
• Galyfos G
• Andreou A
• Sianou A
• Sigala F
• Zografos G
• Filis K

• KMID: 2448811
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5758/vsi.2019.35.1.22

Abstract

PURPOSE
The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of nonhealing ulcers is a relatively new technique. Although it seems to result in a satisfying level of healing and low complication rates, data regarding its effectiveness remain sparse. This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of PRP on chronic nonhealing ulcers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a prospectively designed study comparing outcomes between patients treated with PRP (Group A, n=15) and patients treated conventionally (Group B, n=12) for different types of nonhealing ulcers. In Group A, PRP was produced from the patients' own peripheral blood samples and was applied on the ulcer once every week. In Group B, patients were treated conventionally, without applying PRP. The total treatment period was 5 weeks.
RESULTS
Both groups were similar regarding age, sex, comorbidities, and time of treatment. In Group A, patients showed a nonsignificant reduction of 4.5 mm2 in ulcer area (P=0.190) and a reduction of more than 1 mm in depth (P=0.0006), while Group B showed an increase of 108±80.5 mm2 in ulcer area after 5 weeks (P=0.016). The healing rate (HR) in Group A was stable and positive throughout the treatment period, while HR in Group B was initially negative but became positive after the 3rd week.
CONCLUSION
PRP application once a week promotes the healing of chronic ulcers. It improves the ulcer's depth and HR, although its effect on ulcer area seems to be nonsignificant. However, larger comparative series are still needed to confirm these findings.

Keyword

Platelet-rich plasma; Ulcer; Regeneration

MeSH Terms

Comorbidity
Humans
Platelet-Rich Plasma*
Prospective Studies
Regeneration
Therapeutic Uses
Ulcer*
Therapeutic Uses