The Effectiveness and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Mayo Clin Proc. 2021 Sep;96(9):2407-2417. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.01.030. Epub 2021 Jul 3.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and adverse events of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in individuals with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers, lower-extremity venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers.

Patients and methods: We searched multiple databases from database inception to June 11, 2020, for randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared PRP to any other wound care without PRP in adults with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers, lower-extremity venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers.

Results: We included 20 randomized controlled trials and five observational studies. Compared with management without PRP, PRP therapy significantly increased complete wound closure in lower-extremity diabetic ulcers (relative risk, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.32, moderate strength of evidence [SOE]), shortened time to complete wound closure, and reduced wound area and depth (low SOE). No significant changes were found in terms of wound infection, amputation, wound recurrence, or hospitalization. In patients with lower-extremity venous ulcers or pressure ulcers, the SOE was insufficient to estimate an effect on critical outcomes, such as complete wound closure or time to complete wound closure. There was no statistically significant difference in adverse events.

Conclusion: Autologous PRP may increase complete wound closure, shorten healing time, and reduce wound size in individuals with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers. The evidence is insufficient to estimate an effect on wound healing in individuals with lower-extremity venous ulcers or pressure ulcers.

Trial registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42020172817.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion, Autologous / methods
  • Chronic Disease / therapy
  • Diabetic Foot / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Platelet Transfusion / methods
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma*
  • Pressure Ulcer / therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Varicose Ulcer / therapy*
  • Wound Healing*