The Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Gel and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Diabetic Foot Treatment: A Parallel Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Diabetic foot (DF) is a prevalent metabolic infection. DF wounds are the basis for all cases of nontraumatic lower limb amputations in diabetes. DF care approaches include debridement of wound, pressure relief in the wounded area, proper wound, infection, and ischemia management. However, there is a need for research to develop more effective therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the effectivity and safety of autologous platelet-rich gel combined with conventional treatment and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in DF ulcer therapy. Sixty DF ulcer patients were divided into treatment and control groups of 30 patients each. The treatment group involved a combination of autologous platelet-rich gel, conventional treatment, and TCM. The control group was only treated with a combination of conventional therapy and TCM. Laboratory variables, including platelets, hemoglobin (Hb), albumin, and HbA1c, were analyzed and compared between the treatment and the control groups at baseline and endpoint. Healing area, volume, and rates were compared in both groups. Basic patients' data and the wound conditions had no significant difference between the treatment and the control group. The treatment and control groups cure rates were 93.3% vs. 50%, respectively. The healing rate per 2weeks was significantly higher in the treatment than in the control group (0.78±0.05 vs. 0.43±0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in the platelets, Hb, albumin, and HbA1c levels in the treatment and control groups. Autologous platelet-rich gel combined with conventional treatment and TCM is effective and safe for DF ulcer treatment.