The effect of platelet gel on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer

Background and ObjectivesDiabetic foot ulceration represents a major problem in the health care of diabetic patients. The response to standard treatment is often poor and acts as a common cause of amputation. The diabetic foot imposes on patients and the healthcare system excessive expenses. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effect of platelet gel on diabetic foot ulcer. Materials and MethodsThis randomized clinical trial study was done on 70 hospitalized diabetic patients; they were divided into two equal groups and followed for three weeks. Both groups received intravenous antibiotics (metronidazole + ceftriaxone) during hospitalization. Granulation tissue formation ready for grafting or epithelialization were tokens of ulcer recovery and positive response to treatment. The data were analyzed with Fisher and T-test. ResultsHospitalization period was shorter in case group (5 ± 1.6 vs. 11 ± 3.6 days in control) (p< 0.001). All ulcer cases in the former group healed completely. Amputation was necessary for six patients in the control group. ConclusionsThe results showed the effectiveness of platelet gel in treatment of chronic diabetic ulcers. So we recommend it as a suitable cellular therapy to accelerate the healing process and prevent amputation.