Publication:

A clinical study on efficacy of peri-lesional autologous platelet-rich plasma in non-healing ulcers

Background Non-healing ulcers are a major health problem worldwide and have a great impact at personal, professional, and social levels. They are a major cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. The application of autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been a breakthrough in the treatment of non-healing ulcers, as it is an easy and cost-effective procedure, and provides the necessary growth factors that enhance tissue healing. The aim and objective of the study was to test the effectiveness of peri-ulcer autologous platelet-rich plasma injection in chronic non-healing ulcers and to assess the time taken for wound closure.

Methods This study was conducted on 50 patients during the period of November 2020 to October 2021 from the in-patients of the surgical unit in Dr. PSIMS and RF. Autologous PRP was prepared from whole blood utilizing a rapid, point-of-care system that works on the principle of density gradient centrifugation. Fifty (50) patients with non-healing ulcers of different etiologies, who met the inclusion criteria, were treated with peri-ulcer autologous PRP injections once weekly.

Results Of the 50 cases 29 were male and 21 were female, the mean age of the patients is 54.48±10.79 years. All the patients showed signs of wound healing with a reduction in wound size, and the mean time duration of ulcer healing was 6.75±1.47 weeks.

Conclusions This prospective study has demonstrated the potential safety and efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers.