Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Gel for Diabetic Foot Wound Healing: A Meta-Analysis of 15 Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objectives: The meta-analysis was performed to summarize the available evidence and determine the healing effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) on diabetic foot (DF) wounds. Approach: PubMed and The Cochrane Library and CNKI databases were searched to identify prior randomized controlled trials. Methodological qualities of included studies were assessed using Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention. Healing rate was considered the primary outcome; the secondary outcomes included healing time and adverse events. Results: Fifteen studies involving a total of 827 subjects were analyzed in the meta-analysis. Considering the primary outcome, the average healing rate in APG group was 85.8% and ranged from 68.4% to 100%. Relatively, the control group was 57.4% and ranged from 18.2% to 75.0%. Eligible studies were compared with a fixed effects model ( I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.496), indicating a higher healing rate with APG (risk ratio [RR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–1.57, z = 8.50, p < 0.001). The leave-one-out sensitivity analysis is robust. Considering the secondary outcomes, APG therapy needed less time (weighted mean difference −10.75 days, 95% CI: −11.67 to 8.86 days, z = 14.34, p < 0.001) and had fewer adverse events (RR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.76, z = 2.94, p = 0.003). Innovation: APG therapy is an innovative and effective approach to promote DF wound healing and reduce healing time and adverse events. Conclusion: The meta-analysis demonstrates that APG therapy has a positive effect on the treatment of DF wounds. However, additional well-designed and high-quality studies are needed to reach a conclusion with more confidence.