APPLICATIONS OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA IN CHRONIC ULCERS OF HEAD AND NECK- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Introduction- Platelet rich plasma is an autologous substance that has found its applications in different aspects of surgery. PRP's healing power is attributed to the abundance of growth factors present in it. Thus, we have used platelet rich plasma in management of non-healing ulcers of head and neck ObjectivesŸ To apply Platelet Rich Plasma in chronic ulcers of head and neck. Ÿ To establish the benets of Platelet rich plasma as an easily available, cost effective, harmless substance which can be used to improve the quality of life. Materials and Methods- It was a prospective study on 20 patients in a tertiary centre from August 2021 till September 2022. Of the 20 patients, 10 patients received antibiotics and conventional dressing. The other group received platelet rich plasma inltration around the wound. Results and analysis- Comparing the platelet count in PRP vs baseline platelet levels, we found the count in PRP was 8.23x105 /ml vs 2.03x105 /ml in baseline. The wound healing period in PRP group was also shorter i.e., 15 days compared to 17 days in control group. Mean ulcer diameter in PRP group on day 4, 8 and 10 were 6 cm, 3 cm, and 2 cm respectively; in the non-PRP group it was 7 cm, 4 cm and 2 cm respectively. Biopsy from the ulcers treated with PRP was taken on Day 10 after application and showed epithelialisation, inammatory cell inltrate, collagen deposition and neo angiogenesis. In contrast, non-PRP group only showed inammatory cell inltration on day 10. Conclusion- Platelet rich plasma is a useful, cost effective, autologous material. Our prospective study has shown that PRP application helps in improving wound healing and reducing hospital stay and morbidity of patients.