Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in Accelerating the Healing Rate of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

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Abstract Background Diabetes is a major health problem that is currently showing an alarming rise in its prevalence, this has recently been estimated at 7.8% in the United States, presenting a > 50% increase over the past 15 years while there exists a large population group in whom diabetes is undiagnosed. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and rate of healing of autologous PRP gel in treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Compare the effectiveness of PRP gel with standard treatment (normal saline dressings). Methods 30 patients with non-ischemic DFU were classified into two groups: Group A: Patients with non-ischemic DFU and were treated with a novel modality i.e.: PRP injection in the healing edge and the floor of the targeted ulcer. GroupGroup B B:: Patients with non-ischemic DFU who had usual standard care i.e.: moist dressing with or without collagenase ointment. All cases had a minimal debridement prior to treatment, here in our study the demographic data i.e. Age, sex, medical history were homogenously distributed among both groups. All cases in both groups were non ischemic after successful revascularization either by OR or ER. Results The rate of complete healing for ulcers in group A was achieved in six patients (40%) at the fifth week, while five patients (33.33%) were healed completely by the sixth week and only one patient (6.67%) healed in the ninth week. 26.67% (n = 4 cases) in group B showed complete healing rate by eighth week and 40% (n = 6 cases) were healed by ninth week while 33.33% (n = 5 cases) were healed in the tenth week. P value was statistically significant <0.001 between the groups. Conclusion Activated platelet rich plasma is a novel modality in treatment of diabetic foot ulcers which is feasible, safe and effective with high rate of limb salvage rate and clinical improvement.