Comparison of Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin versus Saline Dressing in Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Anirudh Somani, Reena Rai, Anirudh Somani, Reena Rai

Abstract

Background: Venous leg ulcer is a chronic condition, and various treatment modalities are available. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is one of the newer modalities and it contains fibroblast growth factor (GF), vascular endothelial GF, angiopoitin and platelet-derived GF which enhances the wound healing. Hence, we conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy of PRF versus saline dressing in chronic venous leg ulcers.

Aim: This study aims to compare the efficacy of autologous PRF with saline dressing in patients with chronic venous leg ulcer and to compare the mean reduction in ulcer area at the end of 4 weeks.

Materials and methods: Fifteen patients with chronic venous leg ulcers of >6 months duration having an ulcer area of 1 cm × 1 cm to 5 cm × 5 cm were taken into the study and were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: Patients received PRF dressing. Ten millilitres of patient's blood was taken and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min. A fibrin clot obtained in the middle of the tube was removed and used for dressing over the wound surface. It was repeated every week for 4 weeks. Group 2: Patients received saline dressings once a week for 4 weeks. The assessment of the ulcer size was done with the help of photographs, and ulcer area was measured.

Results: The mean reduction in the area of the ulcer size in PRF group was 85.51%, and the mean reduction in the area of the ulcer size in Saline group was 42.74% which was statistically significant with a P < 0.001 and t = 4.11.

Conclusion: We conclude that PRF dressing can be used as it is effective, inexpensive, safe and an outpatient procedure.

Keywords: Platelet-rich fibrin; saline; venous ulcers.

Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Vacutainer with platelet-rich fibrin clot
Figure 2
Figure 2
Platelet-rich fibrin placed on the ulcer
Bar Diagram 1
Bar Diagram 1
The bar diagram above shows the comparison of the mean improvement in PRF group and Saline group after every week and also after the treatment for 4 weeks
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patient 1 before treatment with platelet-rich fibrin dressing
Figure 4
Figure 4
Patient 1 after 4 weeks of treatment with platelet-rich fibrin dressing
Figure 5
Figure 5
Patient 2 before treatment with platelet-rich fibrin dressing
Figure 6
Figure 6
Patient 2 after 4 weeks of treatment with platelet-rich fibrin dressing
Figure 7
Figure 7
Patient 3 before treatment with saline dressing
Figure 8
Figure 8
Patient 3 after 4 weeks of treatment with saline dressing
Figure 9
Figure 9
Patient 4 before treatment with saline dressing
Figure 10
Figure 10
Patient 4 after 4 weeks of treatment with Saline dressing

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