Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lower limb atherosclerotic occlusive disease (LAOD) is a common complication in diabetic patients, leading to significant symptoms and reduced quality of life. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich gel (APRG) as an innovative treatment for LAOD, focusing on clinical outcomes such as symptom relief, flow values, ankle-brachial index (ABI), walking distance, and claudication severity. METHODS: This retrospective study involved an analysis of electronic medical records (EMR) from 150 patients diagnosed with LAOD. Participants were assigned to either a treatment group (n = 80) or a control group (n = 70). Both groups received standard care and underwent dressing changes. In addition, the treatment group was given APRG. Primary outcomes included changes in pain levels, wound healing rates, flow values assessed by plethysmography, ABI measurements, walking distance, and claudication severity. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the significance of the results. RESULTS: The APRG group showed significant improvements after 12 weeks, including a 70% reduction in pain, a 65% increase in wound healing rates, and an average walking distance increase of 150 meters. Flow values improved by 20%, with significant enhancements in ABI measurements (P < 0.01). Additionally, patient satisfaction was higher, and 60% of patients reported improved claudication severity, confirming the efficacy of APRG in enhancing clinical outcomes for lower LAOD. CONCLUSION: The APRG demonstrates significant efficacy in managing LAOD in diabetic patients, improving key clinical parameters including flow values, ABI, walking distance, and claudication. These findings support the need for further prospective studies to validate long-term efficacy and optimize treatment strategies.