Comparing the Effects of the Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel With Wound Therapeutic Methods on the Treatment of Diabetic Foot



Khorvash F¹ ; Pourahmad M¹ ; Khoshchingol N² ; Avijgan M³ ; Mohammadi M⁴ ; Sahebnazar K⁵
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2017

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel on the diabetic wound in order to find a new safe and effective treatment method. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with diabetic wound were selected and randomly allocated into two groups. In the intervention group, 1 ml of platelet-rich plasma was administered topically at the wound edges, 3 times with one-week interval. The control group received routine treatment. Quality of life, pain score, wound extent, and incidence of infection were evaluated for all the patients within the first 3 months. Findings: The mean score of quality of life after the first month in both groups was similar. However, the mean score of quality of life in the control group was lower than the intervention group after 2 and 3 months (31.88 ± 2.8 vs. 39.13 ± 1.35, respectively, P < 0.001 for both). The pain score in platelet-rich plasma group was significantly lower after 1 month as compared to the control group. It difference remained significant after 3 months (2.4 ± 0.59 vs. 3.05 ± 0.7, P = 0.003). The area of the wound was significantly better in platelet-rich plasma group after 2 weeks. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma gel seems to be effective in the treatment of diabetic foot. It is likely that this combination can be used as a treatment option in addition to standard treatment to be effective in controlling the wound and infection in short term. Considering the limitations of this study including small sample size, more studies are recommended. © 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.