Use of platelet-rich plasma in the healing of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity and has shown particularly promising results in the case of neuropathic ulcers. There has been less research, however, into its use in venous and hypertensive ulcers. Our aim was to assess the safety and feasibility of using PRP in the treatment of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity and to evaluate its potential benefits in directed healing.

Material and methods: We prospectively selected 11 patients with nonischemic ulcers of the lower extremity that had been present for at least 6 weeks. PRP was injected subcutaneously into the perilesional tissue and applied topically in 4 sessions held at 1-week intervals. We assessed quality of life (SF-12 questionnaire), pain (visual analog scale), and the circumference of the ulcer before and after treatment.

Results: There was a predominance of women (8/11, 73%), and venous ulcers (7/11, 64%) were more common than hypertensive ulcers (4/11, 36%). The median age of the patients was 79 years and the median time since onset of the ulcer was 17 months (range, 6-108 months). We observed a significant reduction in pain (P<.05) and a significant improvement in the physical and mental components of the SF-12 (P<.05). The mean reduction in ulcer size was 60%, and complete healing was achieved in 5 cases. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion: The local application of PRP is a valuable and practical procedure that promotes the healing of chronic ulcers of the lower extremity; it can improve patient quality of life and is particularly effective in local pain relief.

Keywords: Chronic ulcer; Lower extremity; Miembros inferiores; Plasma rico en plaquetas; Platelet-rich plasma; Úlcera crónica.

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