title: Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Clean Diabetic Foot Ulcers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetic foot ulcer is considered as a major health problem that predisposes to limb amputation. Among the different methods to achieve ulcer healing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel is gaining popularity. It is thought to stimulate wound closure by providing essential growth factors for healing. This study aims to evaluate the value of autologous PRP gel in the treatment of diabetic ulcers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 56 patients of both sex from 18 to 80 years, with clean chronic diabetic foot ulcers divided into 2 equal groups. The first group was treated by antiseptic ointment dressing, and the second group was treated by autologous platelet gel. PRP together with thrombin were prepared by centrifugation at each dressing session. Thrombin and calcium chloride were used to activate the PRP. The formed platelet gel was applied to the wound twice weekly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statically significant increase in healing rate was found in the PRP-treated group, and complete healing was achieved in 86% of them in comparison to 68% of the control group. In the study group, rate of healing per week was greater during the first 8 weeks and starts to decline afterward. The use of platelet gel showed a lower rate of wound infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Autologous platelet gel is more effective than the local antiseptic dressing in terms of healing rate and prevention of infection in clean diabetic ulcers.
authors: Department of Clinical Pathology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
authors: Marwa
authors: M
authors: Ahmed
authors: Department of Surgery, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. Electronic address: shrefat@hotmail.com.
authors: Sherif A
authors: SA
authors: Reffat
authors: Department of Clinical Pathology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
authors: Amany
authors: A
authors: Hassan
authors: Department of Clinical Pathology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
authors: Fikry
authors: F
authors: Eskander
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013917:Thrombin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D013917:Thrombin; D002122:Calcium Chloride