An evidence-based model comparing the cost-effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma gel to alternative therapies for patients with nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
A cost-effectiveness analysis compared the potential economic benefit of an autologous, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel to alternative therapies in treating nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.


METHODS
An economic model used peer-reviewed data to simulate clinical and cost outcomes and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with PRP gel and other treatment modalities.


METHODS
The model varies rates of healing, recurrence, infection, amputation, death, and associated costs for a hypothetical group of 200,000 patients with full-thickness, nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers for 5 years or until death.


METHODS
The model simulates the clinical, cost, and QALY outcomes associated with PRP gel versus other modalities in treating nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers over a 5-year period.


RESULTS
The average 5-year direct wound care cost per modality and QALYs were PRP gel, $15,159 (2.87); saline gel, $33,214 (2.70); standard of care, $40,073 (2.65); noncontact kilohertz ultrasound therapy, $32,659 (2.73); human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute, $40,569 (2.65); allogenic bilayered culture skin substitute, $24,374 (2.79); bilayered cellular matrix, $37,340 (2.71); negative pressure wound therapy, $20,964 (2.81); and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB, $47,252 (2.69).


CONCLUSIONS
Use of PRP gel resulted in improved quality of life and lower cost of care over a 5-year period than other treatment modalities for nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers. Although actual treatment outcomes may differ from those modeled, PRP gel represents a potentially attractive treatment alternative for insurers and health care providers to address the cost burden and health effects of nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.
Dougherty
Edward J
EJ
B&D Consulting, Washington, DC, USA.
D001684:Biological Dressings / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005782:Gels; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D017059:Models, Econometric; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005782:Gels; D012965:Sodium Chloride