A Comparative Study of Platelet Rich Plasma Dressing versus Conventional Dressing in Chronic Non Healing Ulcer

Background: Chronic non-healing ulcers represent a major healthcare challenge, given their resistance to conventional treatments and the burden they place on patients and healthcare systems. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in growth factors, has emerged as a potential treatment to enhance healing in chronic ulcers. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of PRP in promoting wound healing in chronic non-healing ulcers compared to conventional dressing methods. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hospital, Raipur, involving 50 patients with chronic non-healing ulcers. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group A (PRP dressing, n = 25) and Group B (conventional dressing, n = 25). PRP dressings were prepared from autologous blood and applied every third day, while conventional dressings followed standard debridement and infection control protocols. Primary outcomes included healing rate and time to complete wound closure, while secondary outcomes included frequency of dressings required and incidence of complications. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Patients in the PRP group experienced significantly faster healing (8.08 ± 2.19 weeks) compared to those in the control group (15.56 ± 5.70 weeks), with a p-value of 0.0001. The mean number of dressings required was also significantly lower in the PRP group (24.24 ± 6.59) versus the control group (46.92 ± 17.03, p = 0.0001). Minimal complications were observed, with 80% of patients reporting no adverse effects, and mild pain or fever occurring in 10% of cases. Conclusion: PRP dressing significantly enhances healing rates, reduces dressing frequency, and promotes granulation tissue formation in chronic non-healing ulcers, presenting as a safe and cost-effective treatment alternative. PRP may reduce the socioeconomic burden associated with chronic ulcers and could serve as an effective primary treatment. Further large-scale studies are recommended to establish standardized PRP protocols and validate these findings.