Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
Production of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Boosting In Vitro Human Fibroblast Expansion
Published on: February 24, 2021
Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Nonhealing Ulcers: A Comparative Study
Maria Tsachiridi1,2, George Galyfos1, Alexandros Andreou3
1First Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Hippocration General Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Purpose:
The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of nonhealing ulcers is a relatively new technique. Although it seems to result in a satisfying level of healing and low complication rates, data regarding its effectiveness remain sparse. This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of PRP on chronic nonhealing ulcers.
Materials And Methods:
This was a prospectively designed study comparing outcomes between patients treated with PRP (Group A, n=15) and patients treated conventionally (Group B, n=12) for different types of nonhealing ulcers. In Group A, PRP was produced from the patients' own peripheral blood samples and was applied on the ulcer once every week. In Group B, patients were treated conventionally, without applying PRP. The total treatment period was 5 weeks.
Results:
Both groups were similar regarding age, sex, comorbidities, and time of treatment. In Group A, patients showed a nonsignificant reduction of 4.5 mm2 in ulcer area (P=0.190) and a reduction of more than 1 mm in depth (P=0.0006), while Group B showed an increase of 108±80.5 mm2 in ulcer area after 5 weeks (P=0.016). The healing rate (HR) in Group A was stable and positive throughout the treatment period, while HR in Group B was initially negative but became positive after the 3rd week.
Conclusion:
PRP application once a week promotes the healing of chronic ulcers. It improves the ulcer's depth and HR, although its effect on ulcer area seems to be nonsignificant. However, larger comparative series are still needed to confirm these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
02:26Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...