Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma Dressing Versus Normal Saline Dressing for Chronic Non-Healing Ulcers

Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma Dressing Versus Normal Saline Dressing for Chronic Non-Healing Ulcers

This randomized controlled trial will compare platelet rich plasma dressing with normal saline dressing for the treatment of chronic non healing cutaneous ulcers, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other suitable chronic ulcers of at least six weeks duration. A total of 100 adults will be recruited from the Department of Dermatology, Multan Medical and Dental College, and allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either autologous platelet rich plasma dressing or normal saline dressing for six weeks, with both groups receiving the same standardized wound care package including debridement when indicated, infection control, moisture balance, and etiology specific supportive measures such as offloading or compression. The hypothesis is that platelet rich plasma dressing will lead to greater wound healing by supplying concentrated platelets and naturally occurring growth factors that support granulation tissue formation and re epithelialization. The primary outcome is the percentage reduction in ulcer area from baseline to the end of follow up, measured using standardized planimetry. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of ulcers achieving complete epithelialization within the follow up period, time to complete healing among ulcers that close, and change in pain scores during treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or above
• Either gender
• Chronic non healing cutaneous ulcer of at least 6 weeks duration
• Ulcer etiology eligible for conservative dressing-based management, including
• Diabetic foot, Venous leg and Pressure ulcer
• Other chronic ulcers considered suitable by the treating dermatologist
• Measurable index ulcer surface area suitable for standardized photography and planimetric assessment
• Clinically acceptable wound bed after initial wound bed preparation
• No requirement for urgent surgical reconstruction at enrolment
• Ability to attend twice weekly dressing visits for 6 weeks
• Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suspected or proven malignant ulceration
• Vasculitic or inflammatory ulcers requiring systemic immunosuppression
• Pyoderma gangrenosum
• Critical limb ischemia or severe perfusion compromise on clinical assessment, with vascular screening where feasible
• Requirement for urgent revascularization
• Active osteomyelitis requiring bony debridement
• Exposed bone with high suspicion of osteomyelitis
• Rapidly spreading soft tissue infection
• Systemic sepsis
• Hematological abnormalities making venesection or platelet rich plasma preparation unsafe, including
• Clinically relevant platelet dysfunction
• Known bleeding diathesis
• Therapeutic anticoagulation where temporary interruption is not clinically appropriate
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Participation in another interventional wound trial
• Inability to comply with follow up