Role of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy in Management of Chronic Non-Healing Wounds

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-healing wounds are a global healthcare challenge, causing significant socioeconomic burdens due to prolonged treatment times, increased healthcare costs, and decreased patient quality of life. Chronic wounds, often associated with underlying conditions like diabetes and vascular diseases, fail to progress through normal healing stages. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves applying/injecting concentrated platelets to the wound site, has emerged as a promising treatment by promoting cell division, tissue regeneration, and an immune response. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP therapy in accelerating wound healing and reducing the need for additional surgical interventions in patients with chronic non-healing wounds. Methods: A randomized, interventional study was conducted at Government Doon Medical College and Hospital from September 2022 to March 2024. Forty patients with chronic wounds persisting for more than four weeks were included in the study and they received PRP therapy. The effectiveness was assessed through wound closure rates, reduction in wound size, and need for additional surgical procedures. Results: The majority of participants were aged 51-60. PRP treatment resulted in an 85.88% reduction in wound size. Additionally, 82.5% of patients required no further surgical intervention. PRP significantly reduced healing time, with an average of 5.93 weeks (p<0.01), and demonstrated statistically significant reductions in wound breadth (p<0.01) and pain levels (p<0.01). Conclusion: PRP therapy is a safe, biocompatible, and effective treatment for chronic wounds, significantly reducing healing time and the need for additional surgeries. The findings suggest that PRP could serve as a cost-effective alternative to conventional treatments, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.