Proficiency of topical platelet-rich plasma with vacuum-assisted closure over platelet-rich plasma alone in diabetic foot ulcers - A clinical prospective comparative study

ABSTRACT

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is usually associated with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease with consequential limb ischemia, and eventually diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The healing process is slow due to microangiopathy and wound is easily infected with microbials leading to superficial infection, progressing to deep infection and eventually landing in amputation most of the times. Plate rich plasma (PRP) is very cost-effective, readily available blood derivative and has the capability to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. It improves tissue healing and regeneration and exhibits potent activities against a number of pathogens. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC), on the other hand, is a new novel way to treat DFU by having negative pressure wound healing. The present study focused on the advantage of (PRP+VAC) dressing over (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) alone for aiding and enhancing the process of wound healing in DFU. Aims and Objectives: To appraise the advantage of (PRP+VAC) dressing over (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) alone for aiding and enhancing the process of wound healing in DFU. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative study of 100 cases to compare the outcomes of wound healing by (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection. Results: Mean time taken for appearance of granulation tissue, 100% granulation tissue, average reduction in wound surface area, showed significant (P => 0.005) differences between the (PRP+VAC) and the (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) dressing groups. Conclusion: (PRP+VAC) dressings are more effective than conventional (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) dressings in wound healing of DFU.