Management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers using platelet-rich plasma.

OBJECTIVE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an adjunct for the treatment of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, as well as a treatment for chronic and acute wounds. This study examined the application of PRP in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients.

METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between 2011 and 2014. We used PRP, produced by a kit, for the treatment of DFUs. Patients were allocated to one of three groups, according to size of ulcer. The significance of changes in time for wound healing were statistically assessed.

RESULTS: The study was completed by 150 patients, and a total of 150 foot ulcers were assessed. Wound size reduction was detected in patients after four weeks of treatment. In DFUs with a 2-5.5 cm2 surface area, complete closure happened after 7.2 weeks, 5.5-8.5cm2 DFUs completely closed after 7.5 weeks, and 8.5-12.5cm2 DFUs healed completely after 8.8 weeks. None of the wounds reopened after eight months of monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide more evidence for the use of autologous PRP for DFUs in patients.