Platelet rich fibrin dressings in the treatment of non-healing trophic ulcers of leprosy

Abstract

Introduction: Trophic ulcers in leprosy are a therapeutic challenge. Various treatment options have been tried, but none is found to be universally effective. The search for better treatment continues. Methods: Leprosy patients with long standing trophic ulcers treated with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) dressings were identified in this retrospective review. PRF was prepared by centrifuging autologous blood at 2800 rpm for 15 minutes. The PRF dressings were repeated at weekly intervals and treatment response was assessed using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) staging. Results: Ten patients (7 males) treated with PRF dressings were identified. The mean age of the study patients was 45.4 years. Three patients had NPUAP stage II, six patients had NPUAP stage III and one patient had NPUAP stage IV ulcers. Eight patients showed complete healing after 2–4 PRF dressing sessions. Complications were limited to localised infection in one patient. Conclusion: PRF dressings are a promising therapeutic option for treatment of nonhealing trophic ulcers in leprosy patients.