# A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Therapeutic Potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Diabetic Foot Management: Insights from a Case of a Neglected Deep Plantar Abscess

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help heal diabetic foot ulcers, with findings suggesting it improves healing and reduces complications, though more research is needed.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of PRP's therapeutic potential for diabetic foot ulcers, emphasizing its role in combination with other treatments.

## Key findings

- PRP accelerates wound healing and promotes tissue regeneration in diabetic foot ulcers.
- Combining PRP with negative-pressure wound therapy reduces amputation rates.
- Variability in PRP protocols and patient factors affects clinical outcomes.

## Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain a major complication of diabetes, characterized by impaired wound healing, high infection risk, and an increased likelihood of limb amputation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy due to its regenerative properties, promoting angiogenesis, modulating inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair. Methods: This literature review explores the current evidence regarding the use of PRP in the management of DFUs. It was conducted using the PubMed database to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in DFUs. The search was restricted to studies published in the last 10 years, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing PRP as a standalone treatment or in combination with other wound care strategies, evaluating key clinical outcomes such as wound healing rates, infection control, tissue regeneration, and amputation prevention. Results: A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 11 meta-analyses, 15 review articles, and 9 clinical trials. PRP demonstrated potential benefits in accelerating wound healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting granulation tissue formation. Additionally, PRP combined with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) showed superior outcomes in reducing amputation rates. However, findings varied based on patient characteristics, PRP preparation techniques, and treatment protocols. Conclusions: PRP represents a valuable adjunct in DFU management, contributing to improved healing outcomes and reduced complications. However, the lack of standardized protocols and variability in clinical results highlight the need for further large-scale, multicenter studies to establish its definitive role in diabetic wound care.