Comparison between the efficacy of injection vs topical platelet-rich plasma as an adjuvant treatment of chronic venous ulcers

Abstract

Background Chronic venous ulcers are the most common type of leg ulcers and have a major influence on the quality of life and work productivity. Chronic nonhealing ulcers lack the needed growth factors and do not heal later. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is based on the fact that platelets contain many growth factors that have a well-known role in the course of ulcer repair. Aim and objective The aim was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of autologous PRP injection or topical application in the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. Patients and methods This study was conducted from April 2016 to January 2017 on 30 patients with chronic venous ulcer, who were divided into two equal groups: group A was treated by PRP injections in perilesional tissue, and group B was managed by topical application of PRP on the surface of the ulcer. Thereafter, the ulcers of both groups were covered with Vaseline gauze and then covered by thin elastic sheet without compression for six sessions with a 1-week interval between sessions. Results The study showed marked improvement in patients treated with injection and topical application of PRP after six sessions, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH) tool. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in healing ratio between both the groups. Conclusion PRP shows promise as an effective treatment in chronic venous ulcers by different methods of application. It is a safe, simple, and inexpensive without any adverse events.