Role of Autologous Platelet Derived Growth Factor and Fibrin Rich Plasma in Management of Chronic Non-healing Ulcer–A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Chronic non-healing ulcer (CNHU) develops due to infections, trauma or underlying any medical and surgical conditions. Ulcer that have failed to response all available mode of treatment for long duration are more likely to develop gangrene and infection prone to limb amputation. This is a major public health problem. None of the conventional treatments are anticipated to stimulate active wound healing. The objectives of this study is to test the efficacy of topically applied autologous platelet derived growth factors and fibrin rich plasma in active repair of chronic non healing ulcer.

Methods: Patients having one or more ulcers who have been receiving conventional treatment for their at least for more than 6 months duration but showed no evidence of healing till date were included in this study. Total of 30 skin ulcers were registered, of which 15 patients did not return for follow up. Rest 15 patients were included as the study group. All ulcers were treated with autologous platelet derived growth factors and fibrin rich plasma enriched antibiotic ointment. We observed that 73.33% ulcers were complete healed & rest ulcers had signs of improvement.

Results: The study group showed complete healing in 73.33% ulcers and average 80% improvement observed in each ulcer, after applying autologous platelet derived growth factors and fibrin rich plasma. Significant ulcer healing was observed in patients who were less than 40 years of age, had no history of addiction for any toxic substance, and had ulcer size less than 30 sq cm. Ulcer healing rate was also found to be higher in cases whose duration of ulcer was within one year and those who did not have any history of systemic diseases.

Conclusion: This study clearly shows the efficacy of topically applied autologous platelet derived growth factors and fibrin rich plasma in management of chronic non-healing ulcer.