Efficacy of Local Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcer.

Abstract

Chronic non-healing ulcers present significant challenges in diabetic, dermatological and surgical patients. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), enriched with bioactive factors, offers promise for wound healing enhancement. The prospective observational study was done in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at AIIMS Bhopal for a period of two years, from April 2020 to 2022. This study evaluates PRP's efficacy, prepared via the single spin method, in non healing chronic ulcers. Aseptically, 100 ml of blood was drawn into CPDA (citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine) bags. PRP was prepared by centrifuging blood at 3400 rpm for 10 minutes, yielding PRP and buffy coat. Patient serum and 10.0% calcium gluconate were added to fibrin gel. PRP was injected around the ulcer and then dressed. Dressings were changed on the 5th, 15th and 20th days with PRP. The evaluation was done on day 30 using surface area and volume assessments. Thirteen patients aged 18-65 participated. The patients treated with single spin PRP (four females, nine males) had mean hemoglobin of 10.79±2.22gm/dL. Initial lesions (14.72cm²) significantly reduced to (8.78cm²) after application of single Spin PRP sessions (p=0.005). The PRP showed a mean platelet count of 1,527.00±192.26 × 10⁹/L. Ulcer surface area decreased from 9.87cm² to 7.56cm²; lesion volume reduced from 14.72cm³ to 8.78cm³. Platelet count differences between whole blood and PRP were significant (p<0.05). The single-spin PRP method exhibited considerable improvements in healing parameters, showcasing its potential for chronic ulcer management.