Efficacy and safety of platelet‐rich plasma in the treatment of venous ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

• Published in: International wound journal Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. e14736 - n/a
• Main Authors: Hu, Zhonglin, Wang, Senmao, Yang, Hao, Xv, Haona, Shan, Baozhen, Lin, Lin, Han, Xuefeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2024; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Bias; Clinical trials; Collagen; Compression therapy; efficacy; Growth factors; Hypertension; Leg ulcers; Medical research; Meta-analysis; Plasma; platelet‐rich plasma; safety; Systematic review; venous ulcer; Brazil; Egypt; Russia; Spain; India; meta-analysis; venous ulcer; platelet-rich plasma; safety; efficacy
• ISSN: 1742-4801; 1742-481X; 1742-481X
• DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14736

Considering the substantial impact of venous ulcers on quality of life and healthcare systems, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in comparison to conventional therapy. A systematic review of four databases identified 16 randomized clinical trials, including 20 study groups. PRP significantly enhanced complete ulcer healing, exhibiting an odds ratio (OR) of 5.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35–10.89), and increased the percentage of healed ulcer area by a mean difference of 47% (95% CI: 32%–62%). Additionally, PRP shortened the time required for complete healing by an average of 3.25 months (95% CI: −4.06 to −2.43). Although pain reduction was similar in both groups, PRP considerably decreased ulcer recurrence rates (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05–0.50) without increasing the risks of infection or irritative dermatitis. These results suggest PRP as a viable, safe alternative for venous ulcer treatment, providing significant improvements in healing outcomes.