Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized, double-blind study

Abstract

Background Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Over the recent years, great progress has made in the techniques of wound healing, among which autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has attracted the most substantial attention. Platelets are known to start the wound healing process through the release of locally active growth factors. The evidence from studies of autologous PRP to support its use in wound healing is not robust, and further rigorously designed blinded trials are needed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the autologous PRP for diabetic foot ulcer in a randomized control multicenter double-blind design. Patients and methods The study included 50 patients with diabetic foot ulcers, who were divided into two groups: PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) groups. The PRP group was treated with autologous PRP in gel form as a dressing. The PPP group was treated with autologous poor plasma as a dressing. The frequency of dressing change for each group was twice weekly. Results The healing rate of the PRP group was found to be significantly higher than that of the PPP group. The healing rate per week of the PRP group was significantly higher than that of the PPP group. The rate of complete healing was significantly higher in the PRP group than that of the PPP group. Conclusion Autologous PRP is effective and safe for treatment of diabetic foot ulcer.