Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Gel Combined with Negative Pressure Drainage in Patients with Diabetic Foot

Abstract

Autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) has emerged as a novel treatment modality for diabetic foot, demonstrating potential in promoting wound healing and tissue repair. Negative pressure drainage has been shown to effectively remove wound exudates and facilitate wound healing. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of APG combined with negative pressure drainage in patients with diabetic foot. Following the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel, the influence of various temperatures and centrifugation speeds on gel properties was analyzed. PRP was assessed, and the slope and effective disaggregation rate of PRP were compared. A total of 30 healthy volunteers without diabetic foot were recruited as the control group and randomly assigned into three groups, with 10 participants in each group. The mean volume and concentration of PRP in the three groups were analyzed. A total of 30 patients with diabetic foot were selected as the observation group to analyze the therapeutic effects of APG combined with negative pressure drainage in patients with diabetic foot. The results showed that the prepared separated gel effectively isolated components in the blood, with a decrease in gel viscosity observed with increased centrifugation speed and temperature. The pH of the separated plasma remained stable. The plasma showed the best effects when immediately placed. At 0 h, 3 h, and 6 h, the PRP concentration in Group 1 was drastically superior to the other two groups (P < 0.05). Regarding the slope of PRP, at 30 °C, the slope remained relatively stable; at 25 °C, the slope exhibited the largest variation. At 5 °C, the slope changed between 25 °C and 30 °C. The effective disaggregation rate was lowest when immediately placed, and it gradually increased with the prolongation of placement time. At 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes of placement, the difference in effective disaggregation rate between 5 °C and 25 °C or 30 °C was considerable (P < 0.05). The pH of PRP at 0 h, 3 h, and 6 h was weakly acidic, with inconsiderable difference in pH values among the three time periods (P > 0.05). At 0 h, 3 h, and 6 h, the PRP concentration in Group 1 was markedly superior to the other two groups (P < 0.05). In summary, the prepared separated gel effectively isolated PRP and the combination of APG with negative pressure drainage demonstrated remarkable therapeutic efficacy in patients with diabetic foot. The adoption of APG provides a personalized and innovative treatment option for diabetic foot patients, offering the potential to improve treatment outcomes.