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Subject Area

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma gel in patient with lower limb ulcers: diabetic and varicose ulcers. Background Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used for managing diabetic foot ulcers. PRP contains alpha- granules that release growth factors on activation such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) which are important for wound healing by being angiogenic and helping stem cell differentiation and maturation. Patients and methods The study included 30 patients with chronic ulcers who were selected from vascular surgery department of Menoufia University Hospitals in the duration between February 2016 and March 2017. Patients were categorized into group I (15 patients with diabetic ulcers) and group II (15 patients with varicose ulcers). PRP gel was applied every 2 weeks for a maximum of 6 weeks. PRP was evaluated for concentration of PDGF-AB before and after activation by immunoassay. Results There was significant increase in PRP platelets count and PDGF-AB concentration after activation (P < 0.001). PRP platelets count and PDGF-AB concentration after activation were significantly higher in patients with completely healed ulcers than those with incomplete healing (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Healing rate percent showed significant positive correlation with activated PRP platelets count and PDGF concentration (r = 0.514, P = 0.004 and r = 0.525, P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion Autologous PRP gel is an efficient and a safe source of growth factors for managing lower limb ulcers.

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