Efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of venous ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Considering the substantial impact of venous ulcers on quality of life and healthcare systems, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in comparison to conventional therapy. A systematic review of four databases identified 16 randomized clinical trials, including 20 study groups. PRP significantly enhanced complete ulcer healing, exhibiting an odds ratio (OR) of 5.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-10.89), and increased the percentage of healed ulcer area by a mean difference of 47% (95% CI: 32%-62%). Additionally, PRP shortened the time required for complete healing by an average of 3.25 months (95% CI: -4.06 to -2.43). Although pain reduction was similar in both groups, PRP considerably decreased ulcer recurrence rates (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05-0.50) without increasing the risks of infection or irritative dermatitis. These results suggest PRP as a viable, safe alternative for venous ulcer treatment, providing significant improvements in healing outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Pressure ulcers are common chronic wounds in clinical practice, severely affecting patients' quality of life and causing substantial economic burdens. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been explored for its potential in treating pressure ulcers. Herein, a study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP in comparison to conventional treatments for pressure ulcers. A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, covering studies published from the inception to May 20, 2023, with only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of PRP on the healing of pressure ulcers included. The outcomes of interest included healing rates, ulcer area, ulcer volume, Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score, healing time, and complications. Finally, 9 RCTs, involving 511 patients with 523 pressure ulcers, met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in the healing rate, as evidenced by a weighted odds ratio (OR) of 3.40 (95% CI = 1.87 to 6.21, I2 = 32%, P < 0.0001). Additionally, the standard mean difference (SMD) for healed ulcer area favored the PRP group, reflecting an improvement of 1.38 cm2 (P = 0.02). Furthermore, the reduction in PUSH scores within the PRP group outperformed that observed in the control group, demonstrating a SMD of 1.69 (P = 0.01). Nevertheless, complications and the SMD for ulcer volume reduction revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. From these findings, PRP stands out as a promising and safe therapeutic approach for pressure ulcers. For a deeper understanding of PRP's role in pressure ulcer healing, it is crucial to conduct more well-structured, high-quality RCTs in upcoming studies.