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Original Article
Original Article Plastic and Aesthetic Research

Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma

in the treatment of chronic nonhealing leg

ulcers

Shwetha Suryanarayan , Leelavathy Budamakuntla , Syed Iqbalulla Sha Khadri ,
2
1
1
Sacchidanand Sarvajnamurthy 1
1 Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru 560001, Karnataka, India.
2 Department of General Surgery, Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru 560001,
Karnataka, India.
Address for correspondence: Dr. Shwetha Suryanarayan, Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital,
OPD No. 22, Shivajinagar, Bengaluru 560001, Karnataka, India. E-mail: shwetha.215@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of chronic
nonhealing ulcers. Methods: A nonrandomized, uncontrolled study was performed on 24 patients
with 33 nonhealing ulcers of various etiologies. All patients were treated with PRP at weekly intervals
for a maximum of 6 treatments. At the end of the 6-week period, reduction in size of the ulcers (area and
volume) was assessed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.5 years (standard deviation [SD]
12.48). Of 33 ulcers, there were 19 venous ulcers, 7 traumatic ulcers, 2 ulcers secondary to pyoderma
gangrenosum, 2 diabetic ulcers, 2 trophic ulcers, and 1 vasculitic ulcer. The mean duration of healing of
the ulcers was 5.6 weeks (SD 3.23). The mean percentage of reduction in area and volume of the ulcers
was 91.7% (SD 18.4%) and 95% (SD 14%), respectively. About 100% resolution in the area was seen in
25 (76%) of the ulcers and 100% reduction in volume was seen in 24 (73%) of the ulcers at the end of
the 6th treatment. Conclusion: Conventional therapies do not provide satisfactory healing for chronic
nonhealing ulcers as they are not able to provide the necessary growth factors (GFs) (platelet-derived
GF, epidermal GF, vascular endothelial GF, etc.) which are essential for the healing process. PRP is
a safe, affordable, biocompatible, and simple office-based procedure for the treatment of nonhealing
ulcers.
Key words:
Leg ulcers, platelet-derived growth factor, platelet rich plasma

INTRODUCTION considerable costs. The prevalence of leg ulcers is well
[1]
documented to be vary between 0.18% and 1%. The
[2]
Chronic nonhealing leg ulcer is defined as the “loss of three major causes of lower extremity ulcers are venous,
skin and subcutaneous tissue on the leg or foot, which arterial, and neuropathic.
takes more than 6 weeks to heal”. Chronic ulceration Chronic nonhealing ulcers lack the necessary
of the lower leg, including the foot, is a frequent growth factors (GFs) and hence do not heal well.
condition, causing pain, social discomfort, and generating
Conventional recombinant GF products, including
becaplermin (recombinant platelet‑derived GF) have been
Access this article online
approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the
Quick Response Code: treatment of chronic wounds. However, the medication is
Website:
www.parjournal.net in a liquid form, and, therefore, easily dissipates following
wound application. In addition, it is expensive and is
unaffordable in developing countries such as India. [3]
DOI:
10.4103/2347-9264.139703 Platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) enhances wound healing
through promotion of the healing process by the presence

Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 1 || Issue 2 || Sep 2014 65