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Clinical Trial
. 2017 Feb 27;24(1):16.
doi: 10.1186/s12929-017-0324-1.

Treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers using autologous platelet rich plasma: a case series

Manish Suthar  1 , Saniya Gupta  1 , Suhail Bukhari  2 , Venkatesh Ponemone  3
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers using autologous platelet rich plasma: a case series

Manish Suthar et al. J Biomed Sci. .

Abstract

Background: Non-healing ulcers are a major health problem worldwide and have great impact at personal, professional and social levels, with high cost in terms of human and material resources. Recalcitrant non-healing ulcers are inevitable and detrimental to the lower limb and are a major cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. Application of autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been a major breakthrough for the treatment of non-healing and diabetic foot ulcers, as it is an easy and cost-effective method, and provides the necessary growth factors that enhance tissue healing. PRP is a conglomeration of thrombocytes, cytokines and various growth factors which are secreted by α-granules of platelets that augment the rate of natural healing process with decrease in time. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma for the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers on the lower extremity.

Methods: Autologous PRP was prepared from whole blood utilizing a rapid, intraoperative point-of-care system that works on the principle of density gradient centrifugation. Twenty Four (24) patients with non-healing ulcers of different etiologies, who met the inclusion criteria, were treated with single dose of subcutaneous PRP injections along with topical application of PRP gel under compassionate use.

Results: The mean age of the treated patients was 62.5 ± 13.53 years and they were followed-up for a period of 24 weeks. All the patients showed signs of wound healing with reduction in wound size, and the mean time duration to ulcer healing was 8.2 weeks. Also, an average five fold increase in the platelet concentrate was observed in the final PRP product obtained using the rapid point-of-care device, and the average platelet dose administered to the patients was 70.10 × 108.

Conclusion: This case series has demonstrated the potential safety and efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma for the treatment of chronic non-healing ulcers.

Trial registration: NCT03026855 , Registered 4 January 2017 'Retrospectively'.

Keywords: Autologous platelet rich plasma; Cellular therapy; Cytokines; Growth factors; Non-healing ulcers; Point-of-care.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of cumulative ulcer healing time following PRP treatment
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of Platelet counts at pre- and post- processing (*p < 0.05)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Distribution of Reduction in RBC content in Pre- and Post-processed PRP (*p < 0.05)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Distribution of WBC counts in pre- and post- processed PRP
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Patient follow-up images depicting the treatment efficacy of PRP during follow-up period
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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