Efficacy and safety of the use of platelet-rich plasma to manage venous ulcers

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy and safety of using platelet rich in growth factor (PRGF) as a local treatment for venous ulcers.

Methods

In a clinical trial 102 venous ulcers (58 patients) were randomly assigned to the study group (application of PRGF) or the control group (standard cure with saline). For both groups the healed area was calculated before and after the follow up period (twenty-four weeks). The Kundin method was used to calculate the healed area (Area = Length × Width × 0.785). Pain was measured at the start and end of treatment as a secondary variable for each group by record obtained by means of self-evaluation visual analogue scale.

Results

The average percentage healed area in the platelet rich plasma group was 67.7 ± 41.54 compared to 11.17 ± 24.4 in the control group (P = 0.001). Similarly, in the experimental group a significant reduction in pain occurred on the scale (P = 0.001). No adverse effects were observed in either of the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

The study results reveal that application of plasma rich in platelets is an effective and safe method to speed up healing and reduce pain in venous ulcers.