Platelet-rich Plasma Improves Healing of Pressure Ulcers as Objectively Assessed by Digital Planimetry

Abstract

Introduction: The effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in chronic wounds remains controversial.

Objective: The aim of this prospective study is to objectively assess the impact of PRP therapy on pressure ulcer (PU) healing utilizing digital planimetry.

Materials and methods: Eligible patients included those with PUs with a surface area ⟩ 1 cm2 and ⟩ 3 months' duration. Each ulcer initially was debrided surgically. The patient then was advised to continue conventional treatment for 4 weeks, after which time repeat debridement was performed as needed. Subsequently, PRP was applied and the patient was observed for an additional 4 weeks. During the 8-week study period, the treatment's effectiveness was assessed weekly with digital planimetry. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare continuous variables.

Results: Thirty-six patients (22 men, 14 women) with a median age of 62 years (range, 38-88 years), who had 64 PUs with an initial median surface area of 20 cm2 (range, 1 cm2-180 cm2), a median diameter of 6.3 cm (range, 1.3 cm-18.6 cm), and a median circumference of 16.8 cm (range, 4 cm-68 cm) were included. Reduction of median surface area (63% vs. 41%), median maximal diameter (33% vs. 20%), and median circumference (38% vs. 21%) were significantly (P ⟨ .001) greater after PRP treatment compared with after conventional treatment.

Conclusions: It appears treatment with PRP accelerates healing of PUs as objectively measured by digital planimetry. Compared with conventional treatment, a significantly higher reduction in surface area, diameter, and circumference of PUs was observed following application of PRP.