Comparison of the Outcome of Treatment With Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Conventional Therapy for Patients Presenting With Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous ulcers are the most common form of leg ulcers which have a significant impact on quality of life and work productivity. In addition, the costs associated with the long-term care of these chronic wounds are substantial. Conventional therapies such as dressings, surgical debridement, compression bandage, and even skin grafting cannot provide satisfactory healing since these treatments are not able to provide necessary growth factors that can modulate healing processes. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a safe, simple, affordable, and less expensive procedure in the treatment of chronic ulcers with reportedly good results. Since it is an autologous method, it is biocompatible and safe. Data from this would help in establishing it as a treatment of choice, thereby leading to a reduction in cost and benefiting the patient both financially and psychologically.

PRP is a volume of autologous plasma that has a platelet concentration above baseline i.e., five times more than normal platelet counts. PRP enhances wound healing by promoting the healing process by seven growth factors present in it. They are platelet-derived growth factor (αα, αβ, αβ), fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor. These growth factors are important in modulating mesenchymal cell recruitment, proliferation, and extra-cellular matrix synthesis during the healing process.