Use of homologous platelet gel to manage refractory diabetic lower extremity ulcers: additional experience at a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: DLEUs are a major cause of morbidity. Appropriate treatment is essential, and newer methods to achieve ulcer healing have been described, including application of PG.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of homologous PG in patients with chronic noninfected DLEU refractory to standard treatment as well as possible correlations between patient comorbidities and response to treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients with chronic refractory DLEU managed with homologous PG between January 2014 and October 2022 were evaluated (comorbidities, wound characteristics, number and time of treatment, outcome). Outcome was classified as complete response (complete ulcer healing with reepithelialization), partial response (≥50% reduction in area and/or improvement of pain), or absence of response. The chi-square test was used to compare groups, with alpha level set at less than .05.

RESULTS: A total of 81 patients (63 male, 18 female; median age, 65 years; median HbA1c, 7.6%; median ulcer area, 2.9 cm2) were proposed for PG application. A total of 62 patients had 3 or more comorbidities. Outcome was evaluated in 69 patients, with response observed in 49% (complete, 32%; partial, 17%). Worse outcomes occurred in patients with polyneuropathy (chi-square statistic: 4.183; P = .041).

CONCLUSION: Homologous PG is a safe and possibly effective therapeutic alternative for DLEU that is unresponsive to standard therapies.