Effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma gel in the treatment of hard-to-heal leg ulcers: a randomised control trial

Platelet-rich plasma and plasma rich in growth factors in extra-oral wound care

This narrative review evaluates the existing literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) in extra-oral wound care, considering their potential benefits and drawbacks. The review specifically focuses on the impact of these treatments on patients' quality of life, pain management, treatment costs, recurrence rates, and potential complications. Given the extensive literature and diverse range of extra-oral wound types in which these autologous platelet concentrates have been applied, this narrative review focuses on the most frequently described wound types, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and burns. The use of PRP has been reported in various medical specialties, with a low risk of adverse events. While there is a growing interest in the use of PRGF with promising results, the available literature on this topic is still limited. Only a few studies evaluated patients' perception of the treatment and the relationship between treatment costs and clinical outcomes. Data on recurrence rates and complications also vary across studies. In conclusion, PRP and PRGF show promise as alternatives or as adjunctive therapies to conventional treatments for various extra-oral wounds and ulcers, leading to reduced wound size and accelerated healing time but should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the type and severity of the wound.

Clinical efficacy of blood derivatives on wound healing: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of different blood derivatives on wound healing using network meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, OVID, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Cochrane Central were searched to obtain studies about blood derivatives on wound healing until October 2023. R 4.2.0 and Stata 15.0 softwares were used for data analysis. Forty-four studies comprising 5164 patients were included. The results of network meta-analysis showed that the healing area from high to low was GF + ORCCB, ORCCB, GF, PRF, Unnas paste dressing, APG, PRP injection, PRP, PRP + thrombin gel, PPP, HPL, CT. The healing time from low to high was PRP + thrombin gel, GF, PRP, PC + K, PC, APG, PRF, CT, Silver sulfadiazine ointment. The number of patients cured from high to low was APG, PRP injection, PRP, Aurix, PRF, Leucopatch, HPL, Antimicrobial Ointment Dressing, CT, 60 μg/cm2 repifermin, 120 μg/cm2 repifermin, AFG, PPP. The order of analgesic effect from high to low was AFG, Aminogam gel, PRF, PRP, Oxidised oil, APG, GF, CT. The order of the number of wound infection cases from low to high is APG, 20 μg/cm2 repifermin, 60 μg/cm2 repifermin, PRP, LeucoPatch, CT, PPP, Antiseptic ointment dressing. Healing area: GF + ORCCB had the best effect; Healing time: PRP + thrombin gel took the shortest time. The number of cured patients and the reduction of wound infection: APG has the best effect. Analgesic effect: AFG has the best effect. More studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the above findings.

Impact of autologous platelet concentrates on wound area reduction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) on wound area reduction based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant literature. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of wound area reduction. Secondary outcome measures included wound healing time and the incidence of infection. A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the percentage of wound area reduction was significantly greater in the APCs group compared to conventional treatments (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-2.68, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the percentage of wound area reduction varied based on wound location, follow-up duration, and type of APCs used. The healing time and incidence of infection presented no significant difference between the two groups. The findings suggest that APCs can effectively reduce wound areas when compared to conventional treatments, without increasing the risk of infection. In addition, the effectiveness of APCs in wound area reduction may vary depending on factors such as wound location, type of APCs used, and follow-up duration.

Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: a systematic review

Background

With the increasing incidence of diabetes, diabetic foot ulcer(DFU) has become one of the most common and serious complications in people with diabetes. DFU is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and can also result in significant economic, social and public health burdens. Due to peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, hyperglycemic environment, inflammatory disorders and other factors, the healing of DFU is impaired or delayed, resulting in the formation of diabetic chronic refractory ulcer. Because of these pathological abnormalities in DFU, it may be difficult to promote wound healing with conventional therapies or antibiotics, whereas platelet-rich plasma(PRP) can promote wound healing by releasing various bioactive molecules stored in platelets, making it more promising than traditional antibiotics. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and analyze the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of DFU.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken in PubMed, CNKI, EMB-ASE, the Cochrane Library, the WanFang Database and the WeiPu Database by computer. Included controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The data extraction and assessment are on the basis of PRISMA.

Results

Twenty studies were evaluated, and nineteen measures for the evaluation of the efficacy of PRP in DFU treatment were introduced by eliminating relevant duplicate measures. The efficacy measures that were repeated in various studies mainly included the rate of complete ulcer healing, the percentage of ulcer area reduction, the time required for ulcer healing, wound complications (including infection rate, amputation rate, and degree of amputation), the rate of ulcer recurrence, and the cost and duration of hospitalization for DFU, as well as subsequent survival and quality of life scores. One of the most important indicators were healing rate, ulcer area reduction and healing time. The meta-analysis found that PRP was significantly improve the healing rate(OR = 4.37, 95% CI 3.02-6.33, P < 0.001) and shorten the healing time(MD = -3.21, 95% CI -3.83 to -2.59,P < 0.001)of patients with DFU when compared to the conventional treatment, but there was no significant difference in reducing the of ulcer area(MD = 5.67, 95% CI -0.77 to 12.11,P =0.08>0.05 ).

Conclusion

The application of PRP to DFU can improve ulcer healing rate and shorten ulcer healing time, but more clinical data are needed to clarify some efficacy measures. At the same time, a standardized preparation process for PRP is essential.

Efficacy and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma for diabetic foot ulcer healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant complication of diabetes that often precedes the need for amputation. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (Au-PRP), a substance abundant in various growth factors and cytokines, is increasingly being recognized as a promising method for promoting ulcer healing due to its potential similarities to the physiological wound healing process.

METHODS

The databases Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were systematically accessed on January 26, 2023, without any consideration for the date of publication. The selection and assessment of research studies were conducted autonomously, based on predetermined criteria and methodological standards. Two researchers gathered data and evaluated the potential for bias separately. We utilize the Stata 17.0 software to conduct data analysis and generate relevant visual representations.

RESULTS

The results of the meta-analysis indicate that autologous PRP has a significant positive effect on the healing rate (RR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.30-1.56, P < 0.001), reduces the healing time (MD = - 3.13, 95% CI - 5.86 to - 0.39, P < 0.001), accelerates the reduction of ulcer area (MD = 1.02, 95% CI 0.51-1.53, P < 0.001), decreases the rate of amputation (RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.83, P < 0.001), and does not increase the incidence of adverse events (RR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.57-1.61, P > 0.05) when compared to conventional therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Au-PRP therapy has been shown to facilitate the process of wound healing and represents a viable and secure therapeutic alternative for individuals with DFU.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel Matrix (PRP-GM): Description of a New Technique

Several musculoskeletal conditions are triggered by inflammatory processes that occur along with imbalances between anabolic and catabolic events. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product derived from peripheral blood with inherent immunomodulatory and anabolic properties. The clinical efficacy of PRP has been evaluated in several musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and osteonecrosis. When used in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA), a common treatment alternative, the regenerative properties of PRP are significantly enhanced and may provide additional benefits in terms of clinical outcomes. Recently, a new PRP-derived product has been reported in the literature and is being referred to as "plasma gel". Plasma gels are obtained by polymerizing plasmatic proteins, which form solid thermal aggregates cross-linked with fibrin networks. Plasma gels are considered to be a rich source of growth factors and provide chemotactic, migratory, and proliferative properties. Additionally, clot formation and the associated fibrinolytic reactions play an additional role in tissue repair. There are only a few scientific articles focusing on plasma gels. Historically, they have been utilized in the fields of aesthetics and dentistry. Given that the combination of three products (PRP, HA, and plasma gel) could enhance tissue repair and wound healing, in this technical note, we propose a novel regenerative approach, named "PRP-HA cellular gel matrix" (PRP-GM), in which leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) is mixed with a plasma gel (obtained by heating the plasma up) and HA in one syringe using a three-way stopcock. The final product contains a fibrin-albumin network entangled with HA's polymers, in which the cells and biomolecules derived from PRP are attached and released gradually as fibrinolytic reactions and hyaluronic acid degradation occur. The presence of leukocytes, especially monocytes and macrophages, promotes tissue regeneration, as type 2 macrophages (M2) possess an anti-inflammatory feature. In addition, HA promotes the viscosuplementation of the joint and induces an anti-inflammatory response, resulting in pain relief. This unique combination of biological molecules may contribute to the optimization of regenerative protocols suitable for the treatment of degenerative musculoskeletal diseases.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Wound Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Chronic wounds place a heavy burden on the healthcare system due to the prolonged, continuous need for human resources for wound management. Our aim was to investigate the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma on the treatment of chronic wounds.

METHODS

The systematic literature search was performed in four databases. Randomized clinical trials reporting on patients with chronic wounds treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were included, comparing PRP with conventional ulcer therapy. We pooled the data using the random effects model. Our primary outcome was the change in wound size.

RESULTS

Our systematic search provided 2688 articles, and we identified 48 eligible studies after the selection and citation search. Thirty-three study groups of 29 RCTs with a total of 2198 wounds showed that the odds for complete closure were significantly higher in the PRP group than in the control group (OR = 5.32; CI: 3.37; 8.40; I² = 58%).

CONCLUSIONS

PRP is a safe and effective modality to enhance wound healing. By implementing it in clinical practice, platelet-rich plasma could become a widely used, valuable tool as it could not only improve patients' quality of life but also decrease the healthcare burden of wound management.

Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel in Promoting Wound Healing Based on Medical Images of Wounds

A wound is the pathological change of soft tissue under normal skin caused by various factors, such as collision, contusion, hot crush, avulsion, corrosive chemicals, operations, excessive wound tension after operations, local pressure that cannot be relieved for a long time, liquid immersion, local infection, and rejection reactions caused by allogeneic substances. The skin itself or its underlying soft tissue loses its integrity and continuity, thus losing its normal physiological function. Medical image analysis is a medical term that refers to the interdisciplinary fields of integrated medical imaging, artificial intelligence, digital image processing and analysis, mathematical modeling, and numerical algorithms. According to the time of wound formation, they can be divided into acute and chronic wounds. The common acute wounds include lacerations caused by trauma, surgical incisions, burns, and donor sites formed after skin graft operations. This article mainly studies the role of platelet-rich plasma gel nanocomposites in promoting wound healing. It is proven that ptt-rich plasma gel can significantly promote tissue repair and regeneration and accelerate wound healing in patients with severe burns. The atomic number of the nanocomposite has a better treatment effect on the nanoparticle approach. In this paper, chitosan nanocomposite membrane, nanocomposite algorithm, and the calculation method of enthalpy of formation of high alloy nanomaterials were used to study the role of ptt-rich plasma gel combined chitosan nanocomposite membrane loaded bone marrow stromal cells in promoting wound healing, and its effects were applied to the repair of special site burns, special burns, and different age burns. Good wound repair benefits from the correct treatment of the wound, which directly affects the stability and development of the internal environment. The difference in healing time between the two groups was statistically significant, and the recovery time of the PRP group was 0.001 less than that of the control group. The results showed that the wound healing time of the PRP group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05); after treatment, the content of VEGF in the wound tissue of the two groups increased, especially in the PRP group; the effective rate of the PRP group was 75.0%, which was higher than 68.8% of the control group. It can play an important role in the regulation of expression and the pathophysiological process of wound healing.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma vs standard management for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer wounds: A meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma vs standard management for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer wounds. A systematic literature search up to March 2022 was performed and 1435 subjects with diabetic foot ulcer wounds at the baseline of the studies; 723 of them were treated with platelet-rich plasma, and 712 used control. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated to assess the effect of platelet-rich plasma vs standard management for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer wounds using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model. The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma resulted in significantly higher complete-healed diabetic foot ulcer wounds compared with control (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.49-2.56, P < 0.001). The use of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma resulted in significantly higher complete-healed diabetic foot ulcer wounds compared with control (OR, 6.19; 95% CI, 2.32-16.56, P < 0.001). The use of autologous and allogeneic platelet-rich plasma resulted in significantly higher complete-healed diabetic foot ulcer wounds compared with control. Though, the analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low number of studies in certain comparisons, for example, allogeneic platelet-rich plasma compared with control.

The role of the cord blood platelet gel in the management of a diabetic foot with tendon exposure

Diabetic foot infection is frequent in diabetic patients and is due to neuropathy, trauma or peripheral arterial disease. The presence of an abscess requires urgent drainage and specific antibiotic therapy. Patients with critical limb ischemia need revascularization and, subsequently the intervention of a plastic surgeon is often required in cases of exposure of tendons and ligaments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a patient was refered to our department with an abscess on the dorsum of the left foot. After urgent drainage with tendon exposure, he started specific antibiotic therapy and underwent tibial vessels angioplasty. After infection healing cord blood platelet gel was applied, accelerating the healing process, with injection of its liquid part into the exposed tendons, thus retaining the vital functions of the tendons.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of refractory wounds in cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis complicated with hypertension (grade 2 moderate risk): A case report

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis is an inflammatory variant of vasculitis with a variety of causes that only affects the skin. Its pathological manifestations include neutrophil infiltration and nuclear fragmentation. Clinically, it is characterised by a pleomorphic rash, including erythema, purpuric skin lesions, reticulocytosis, necrosis and ulceration. Once formed, local ulcerations are very difficult to heal.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 46-year-old female was diagnosed with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient's legs exhibited ulcers with a black eschar on the surface. The largest wound was 4.5 × 4.0 cm and the deepest wound was 1.7 × 1.8 × 1.0 cm. The ulcers had been present for 6 months and did not exhibit signs of healing. Treatment was commenced with platelet-rich plasma, and the wounds healed within 1 month.

CONCLUSION

Topical application of autologous platelet-rich plasma gel exerts beneficial effects in cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis with regard to wound size reduction, and it induces granulation tissue formation. Platelet-rich plasma may represent a safe and cost-effective treatment for managing cutaneous wound healing to reduce the length of the recovery period.

Chronic Leg Ulcers: Are Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Science the Solution?

Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are full thickness wounds that usually occur between the ankle and knee, fail to heal after 3 months of standard treatment, or are not entirely healed at 12 months. CLUs present a considerable burden on patients, subjecting them to severe pain and distress, while healthcare systems suffer immense costs and loss of resources. The poor healing outcome of the standard treatment of CLUs generates an urgent clinical need to find effective solutions for these wounds. Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Science offer exciting prospects for the treatment of CLUs, using a broad range of skin substitutes or scaffolds, and dressings. In this review, we summarize and discuss the various types of scaffolds used clinically in the treatment of CLUs. Their structure and therapeutic effects are described, and for each scaffold type representative examples are discussed, supported by clinical trials. Silver dressings are also reviewed due to their reported benefits in the healing of leg ulcers, as well as recent studies on new dermal scaffolds, reporting on clinical results where available. We conclude by arguing there is a further need for tissue-engineered products specifically designed and bioengineered to treat these wounds and we propose a series of properties that a biomaterial for CLUs should possess, with the intention of focusing efforts on finding an effective treatment.

Use of Intra-uterine Injection of Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) for Endometrial Receptivity and Thickness: a Literature Review of the Mechanisms of Action

Endometrial receptivity and thickness play an important role in achieving a pregnancy. Intrauterine autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion has been used in infertile women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and thin endometrial lining thickness (EMT). Literature search was performed in PubMed for studies including in vitro, animal, and human studies as well as in abstracts presented at national conferences. Animal studies demonstrated a decrease in the expression of inflammatory markers and fibrosis, and increased endometrial proliferation rate, increased expression of proliferative genes, and increased pregnancy rates. The in vitro studies showed that PRP was associated with increased stromal and mesenchymal cell proliferation, increased expression of regenerative enzymes, and enhancement in cell migration. In infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology, one randomized clinical trial showed that PRP intrauterine infusion improved EMT, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in patients with thin EMT, while 3 other trials involving subjects with RIF showed conflicting results related to CPR. Case series and cohort studies showed conflicting results pertaining to CPR. Data to date suggest that PRP may be beneficial in improving endometrial thickness and endometrial receptivity. However, further large prospective and high-quality trials are needed to assert its effect and to identify the population of patients that would benefit the most.

Use of platelet concentrate gel in second-intention wound healing: a case report

Background

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process. Healing of acute and chronic wounds can be impaired by patient factors (that is, comorbidities) and/or wound factors (that is, infection). Regenerative medicine products, such as autologous/homologous platelet-rich plasma gel, may speed up the healing process. Autologous/homologous platelet-rich plasma is an advanced wound therapy used for hard-to-heal acute and chronic wounds. The cytokines and growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma play a crucial role in the healing process.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old Caucasian male patient, suffering from mental retardation following meningitis, with a transplanted kidney due to prior renal impairment, and under immunosuppressant therapy, was submitted to aneurysmectomy of his proximal left forearm arteriovenous fistula. A few days later, the patient came to our attention with substantial blood loss from the surgical site. The wound presented no signs of healing, and after fistula reparation and considering persistent infection of the surgical site (by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), surgeons decided for second-intention healing. To favor healing, 10 mL homologous platelet concentrate gel was sequentially applied. After each application, wound was covered with nonadherent antiseptic dressing. After only seven applications of homologous platelet concentrate gel, wound completely recovered and no amputation was necessary.

Conclusions

Topical application of homologous platelet-rich plasma gel in healing wound shows beneficial results in wound size reduction and induces granulation tissue formation. Platelet-rich plasma could be a safe and cost-effective treatment for managing the cutaneous wound healing process to shorten the recovery period and thereby improve patient quality of life.

A New Therapeutic Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Chronic Breast Wounds: A Prospective Observational Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for chronic wounds (CWs) of the breast. A prospective study was performed in 23 patients with CW of the breast who were treated with PRP. The procedure was repeated until the wound was closed completely. The study included patients with a history of breast cancer (n = 8) and patients without cancer (n = 15). The treatment with PRP was successful in all cases and observed in ≤4 weeks in 82.6% (19/23) of patients. The patients without breast cancer showed significantly less time for wound closure than the patients with a history of breast cancer. Moreover, a greater number of PRP treatments were necessary to achieve wound closure in patients undergoing conservative breast treatment. No patients had complications associated with the application of PRP. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal that PRP treatment for CWs of the breast is safe, simple, useful and well-tolerated by patients.