Use of platelet gel for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcerations are multifactorial and are known for their slow healing rate and resistance to treatment. Autologous platelet gel is a product whose effectiveness in the treatment of diabetic ulcers has not been tested in controlled studies. We report a controlled observation on the effectiveness of autologous platelet gel in addition to standard care for treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Fourteen diabetic patients with lower limbs ulcers were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to one or two groups: standard care or standard care plus weekly topic application of autologous platelet gel. The two treatment groups were comparable with respect to age, sex distribution, diabetes duration and glycosylated haemoglobin. At the beginning of the treatment average wound's area was not significantly different between platelet gel treatment group and standard care group (273 ± 156 vs 170 ± 89 mm 3). Average reduction rate at 5 weeks was greater in patients treated with platelet gel than in the standard care group (71.9% vs 9.2% respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, platelet gel is effective and safe in accelerating the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.