Platelet-rich Fibrin in Nonhealing Leg Ulcers: A Simple and Effective Therapeutic Option

BACKGROUND: Nonhealing ulcers can occur due to a variety of causes and are associated with high morbidity, expensive, and prolonged treatment. We conducted this study to determine the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in nonhealing ulcers in various disorders, which is a very cost-effective and safe treatment option. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with nonhealing leg ulcers were included. The ulcers were treated with PRF at weekly intervals. The response to treatment was recorded by calculating the area of ulcer at baseline and at every subsequent visit till the ulcers healed. RESULTS: The study included 18 patients of nonhealing leg ulcers due to leprosy (n = 6), neuropathic ulcer (n = 4), venous ulcer (n = 3), diabetic foot ulcer (n = 2), post-traumatic ulcer (n = 2), and post-full-thickness skin graft ulcer (n = 1). The mean size of the ulcers was 8.44 cm(2) and mean duration was 5.55 months. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 years. The minimum and the maximum sittings required were three and nine, respectively (mean 5). No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION: The treatment of nonhealing ulcer with PRF is an easy, safe, simple, and cost-effective method.