Platelet-Rich Plasma for Wound Healing in Diabetic Patients

Background/Objectives: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and serious complication of diabetes, often leading to infection, amputation, and reduced quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment due to its potential to accelerate wound healing through growth factors and cytokines. Despite growing interest, evidence on PRP's efficacy and safety in DFU management remains variable. This article critically reviews recent studies to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP in promoting ulcer healing, while examining methodological rigor, ethical considerations, and research parameters to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment for clinical application. Materials and Methods: This review explores the biological mechanisms underlying platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjunctive therapy for DFUs, focusing on its regenerative capabilities. PRP is an autologous concentration of platelets containing growth factors and bioactive molecules that promote angiogenesis, cellular proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Various application methods-topical, injectable, gel-based, and PRP-enhanced dressings-are examined. The review also evaluates the efficacy of PRP as monotherapy and in combination with other interventions such as debridement and split-thickness skin grafting. Results: Clinical studies suggest that PRP, particularly when used alongside surgical debridement or skin grafting, significantly enhances healing outcomes in patients with non-healing DFUs. It provides a biologically favorable environment for tissue regeneration while reducing inflammation and potentially exhibiting antimicrobial properties. However, variability in PRP preparation techniques, application protocols, and patient selection criteria presents challenges to standardization and broader clinical adoption. Conclusions: While PRP therapy demonstrates significant potential in the management of diabetic foot ulcers, further randomized controlled trials with standardized methodologies are essential to establish optimal treatment protocols and confirm long-term benefits. PRP offers a minimally invasive, autologous, and biologically active treatment modality that may serve as a vital component in the multidisciplinary approach to DFU management.