Efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) dressings in diabetic foot ulcers: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is a frequent site for complication in DM. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PRP dressings in DFUS at different intervals after such dressings.Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 25 patients with DFU of either gender (males- 15, females- 10). Wound size as per maximum length and breadth and area were recorded and three PRP dressings were given on day 0, second after first week, and third after 3rd week. On 2nd week, and 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th weeks only saline dressings were applied at weekly intervals. On every dressing patient’s wound was measured in maximum length and maximum breadth by using a scale and area was calculated. % area of wound closure was calculated as- Area of previous day- Area of next day/ Area of previous day X 100.Assessment of the DFUs was done as per University of Texas classification of DFU.Results: Age group 30-50 years had 9 (36%), 51-70 years had 15 (60%) and 71-90 years had 1 (4%) patients. Duration of wound was 4-6 weeks seen in 1 (4%) patients, 6-8 weeks seen in 17 (68%) and >8 weeks seen in 7 (28%) patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Comparison of wound dimension at day 0, after 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks. There was significant difference in all parameters at different intervals (P< 0.05).Conclusion: We can conclude that successful treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers remains challenging for clinicians. The enhancement of wound healing through the application of PRP is supported by basic scientific and clinical studies.