Autologous platelet-rich plasma for treating chronic wounds

Main idea: platelet-rich plasma may improve the healing of foot ulcers associated with diabetes, but this conclusion is based on low quality evidence from two small RCTs. It is unclear whether PRP influences the healing of other chronic wounds. The overall quality of evidence of autologous platelet-rich plasma for treating chronic wounds is low. There are very few RCTs evaluating platelet-rich plasma, they are underpowered to detect treatment effects, if they exist, and are generally at high or unclear risk of bias. Well designed and adequately powered clinical trials are needed.

Abstract

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that contains fibrin and high concentrations of growth factors with the potential to improve the healing of chronic wounds. This is the first update of a review first published in 2012.

The main objective is to determine whether autologous PRP promotes the healing of chronic wounds.

Main results: The search identified one new RCT, making a total of 10 included RCTs (442 participants, 42% women). The median number of participants per RCT was 29 (range 10 to 117). Four RCTs recruited people with a range of chronic wounds; three RCTs recruited people with venous leg ulcers, and three RCTs considered foot ulcers in people with diabetes. It is unclear if there is a difference in the risk of adverse events in people treated with PRP or standard care , low quality evidence from 3 trials, 102 participants).

Source Cochrane Library