Autologous platelet-rich plasma for treatment of ischemic ulcers in buerger's disease: A pilot study with short-term results

Abstract

Background: Many treatment modalities are available for the treatment of ischemic ulcers in Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans [TAO]). Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcome of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of ischemic ulcers in TAO patients. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on selected TAO patients who underwent autologous PRP treatment in surgery department of a teaching hospital in Central India. Diagnosis of TAO was made on clinical grounds and Color Doppler study. Autologous PRP was injected subcutaneously around the area of ulcer on day 0 and then on the 5th and 10th day. Results were noted on day 1, day 5, day 10, and on day 15. Outcome monitored was improvement in pain (using visual analog scale) and healing of ischemic ulcers. Results: All 14 patients were males, chronic smokers, and most of the patients were in the 4th decade of life. All had involvement of lower limbs; one had upper limb ischemia as well. All patients had ischemic ulcers. Pain relief, as measured with visual analog scale score, was good; most of the patients had 50% relief within 24 h of injecting PRP, which persisted/continued to improve on days 5, 10, and 15. Similarly, ulcer healing showed improvement on days 5, 10, and 15. Conclusions: PRP can provide efficient treatment for pain and healing of ischemic ulcers in TAO patients.