Using Platelet Gel Dressings for Treating Skin Ulcers Resulting from Graft Complications in Children: A Clinical Trial

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a therapeutic strategy for various malignant and non-malignant disorders. However, the body’s reaction to tissue transplantation from another individual (acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease) often complicates this approach, leading to significant complications and mortality. The epithelial tissue is the primary tissue involved in graft-versus-host disease and its response to current treatments, including immunosuppressants and novel targeted therapies, is often inadequate. Although rare, skin ulcers resulting from graft complications are resistant to treatment and highly prone to infection.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives possess high regenerative potential due to their growth factors and molecules that induce angiogenesis. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using platelet gel dressings for graft-related skin ulcers in children, Dr. Amirali Hamidieh, Dr. Rashin Mohseni, Dr. Pouria Mahdavi Sharif, Dr. Morteza Zarrabi, and their colleagues at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and Royan Institute conducted a clinical trial. The therapeutic effect of platelet gel dressings was compared with standard dressings in 16 patients aged 5 to 15.

The results of this study, published in the international journal Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, showed that while the average size of the compared wounds was similar at the beginning of the study, there was a significant difference in wound size 15 days after treatment initiation. Additionally, the average reduction in wound area was significantly greater in patients receiving the platelet gel dressing. At the end of the trial, 87% of wounds in the platelet gel group had reduced by more than 50% in size, compared to 6% in the standard dressing group. None of the patients showed any local or systemic side effects related to the treatment.

The findings of this study suggest that the use of platelet gel dressings is a safe, easy, and effective treatment approach for graft-related skin ulcers in children. Further research is required to confirm the clinical application of this method.