A comparative study between platelet rich plasma and conventional dressing in chronic non healing leg ulcers

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-healing leg ulcers are a major health problem worldwide and have great impact on personal, professional and social levels, with high cost in terms of human and material resources. The present study was conducted with an aim to demonstrate the efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) in chronic non-healing leg ulcers in comparison to conventional dressings.Methods: A total of 50 patients with leg ulcers were randomized into two groups (A and B) with each group comprising of 25 patients each. Group A were treated with autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) dressings and group B were treated with conventional dressings using normal saline. Ulcer measurements were taken on day 1, day 7, days 15 and after 30 days. The end point of study was complete wound epithelialization or appearance of granulation tissue, which ultimately lead to spilt skin grafting or secondary healing; whichever is earlier.Results: There was statistically significant difference in the average time taken for complete healing of ulcer in PRP dressings, 3.68 weeks against 6.2 weeks in conventional dressing group (p value <0.0001). PRP dressing group showed a 43.96% reduction in ulcer size as compared to 13.81% in conventional dressing group (p <0.0001). It was observed that PRP dressing group has faster wound healing and contraction of wound.Conclusions: PRP dressing of leg ulcers was better than conventional normal saline dressing as it leads to early reduction of ulcer size and enhances rate of wound healing.