A comparative study on the efficacy of platelet rich plasma vs conventional wound dressing in diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

The clinical findings suggestive of diabetic foot include, ulceration, lack of blood supply manifesting as gangrene, mycotic infections, skin fissures, maceration of ABSTRACT Background: The pathogenetic pathways and morbidity associated with diabetic foot ulcers render it a difficult clinical entity to manage. Newer biological methods such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are being investigated as improvements on conventional treatment techniques such as saline gauze antiseptic dressings. Methods: The present study is a randomised controlled trial, with 25 subjects each in the PRP dressing and conventional dressing arms. It was conducted in the General Surgery wards of a tertiary care hospital among patients suffering from foot ulcers due to diabetes mellitus. PRP dressings were done biweekly for 4 weeks before final wound assessment.Results: Most of the study population was males of more than 50 years of age. The lesions are predominantly on the plantar aspect. The inciting factor was trauma in around two-thirds of the cases. Nearly 80% of the subjects were on insulin for treatment. In the patients receiving treatment using PRP dressings, the wound contracted by more than 34% which was statistically significantly higher than those receiving conventional dressings. Conclusions: Newer biological methods such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) dressings offer a relatively novel safe and efficient technique for management of diabetic foot ulcers, compared to conventional methods.

Application of Topical Sucralfate and Topical Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Wound Healing in Diabetic Ulcer Rats Wound Model

“… 7 Therefore, we can conclude that the therapy for diabetic ulcers took a long period, yet not satisfactory enough, and is not cost-effective. 8 , 9 …”

“…11 A recent research shows that the application of platelet-rich plasma for the therapy of diabetic ulcers enhanced the wound closure of diabetic ulcers when compared to conventional therapy. 9 …”

“…7 Therefore, we can conclude that the therapy for diabetic ulcers took a long period, yet not satisfactory enough, and is not cost-effective. 8,9 Sucralfate is a cytoprotective agent that is mainly used for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract ulcers, including gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastritis. Newer researches show that sucralfate can also be used topically in open wounds and provides favorable outcomes for the treatment of chronic ulcers.…”

“…11 A recent research shows that the application of platelet-rich plasma for the therapy of diabetic ulcers enhanced the wound closure of diabetic ulcers when compared to conventional therapy. 9 PDGF (Platelet-derived Growth Factor) is a critical growth factor that is involved in wound healing, especially diabetic wounds. The expressions of PDGF and its receptors are decreased in patients with diabetes and diabetic ulcer, therefore an increase of PDGF expression can be used as a marker in diabetic ulcer healing.…”