Randomised Double-blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Topical Autologous Platelet Lysate in Venous Ulcer Healing

OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of topical autologous platelet lysate on the healing of chronic venous ulcers. DESIGN: a randomised placebo controlled double-blind trial. MATERIALS: all patients had blood taken for preparation of autologous platelet lysate. METHODS: patients with proven chronic venous ulceration were randomised to the trial. Autologous platelet lysate or placebo buffer solution were applied twice per week for up to 9 months in combination with standardised compression bandaging. RESULTS: a total of 86 patients (36 males and 50 females, median age 70 years) were entered into the study. The patient and treatment groups were equivalent for ulcer size, ulcer duration and other characteristics. Cox regression analysis of the time to ulcer healing did not show any difference in healing between platelet lysate and placebo application. CONCLUSIONS: platelet lysate prepared and delivered by the method used in this study had no influence on the healing of chronic venous ulceration.