Autologous platelet-rich plasma in treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers: A prospective case series

Abstract

Study

We report our results on a case series of 19 patients receiving platelet-rich plasma application in treatment of patients with chronic unhealing venous leg ulcers.

Material and methods

There were 16 males and three females with a mean age of 38.55 ± 16.46 years. Planimetric size measurements were performed and pain was tested throughout the treatment period. Follow-up was made in seven-day periods. Patients received 5 ml of platelet-rich plasma for each 5 cm² of the wound surface with half of the amount being injected 1–2 mm deep into the wound and the wound surface was covered with the remaining half.

Results

Complete wound healing occurred in 18 of 19 patients (94.7%) within a mean of 4.82 ± 2.16 week. There were significant reductions in wound area among all consecutive measurements except for first week. A significant reduction in wound volume was apparent even in first week and sustained among consecutive measurements.

Conclusion

Platelet-rich plasma seems effective in terms of promoting healing of venous leg ulcers. Improvement in wound depth was slightly more prominent than that in wound area, indicating a potential role of platelet-rich plasma especially in deep venous ulcers.