Background: The LeucoPatch® device uses bedside centrifugation without additional reagents to generate a disc comprising autologous platelets, fibrin and leucocytes which is applied to the surface of the wound. The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of LeucoPatch® on the healing of hard-to-heal foot ulcers in people with diabetes.
Methods: 595 people with diabetes and a foot ulcer consented to participate. After a 4 week run-in-period those with a reduction in ulcer area of < 50% were randomised to either pre-specified good standard care alone or care supplemented by weekly application of LeucoPatch®. The primary outcome was percentage of ulcers healed within 20 weeks, defined as complete epithelialisation confirmed by an observer blind to randomisation group and maintained for four weeks.
Results: 269 people were randomised; mean age 62 years, 82% male, 82% type 2 diabetes. In the intervention group 34.1% (n=45/132) of ulcers healed within 20 weeks vs. 21.6% (n=29/134) of the controls (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.06-2.35; p= 0.02) by intention-to-treat analysis. Time to healing was shorter in the intervention group (p=0.0246) (Figure). No difference in adverse events was seen between groups.
Interpretation: The use of LeucoPatch® is associated with significant enhancement of healing of hard-to heal foot ulcers in people with diabetes.
F. Game: Research Support; Self; Reapplix aps. W. Jeffcoate: Research Support; Self; Reapplix Aps, Urgo, France. L. Tarnow: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. J.L. Jacobsen: Consultant; Self; Reapplix. D.J. Whitham: Other Relationship; Self; Reapplix. E.F. Harrison: Research Support; Self; Reapplix. S.J. Ellender: None. M. Londahl: Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company. Advisory Panel; Self; Amgen Inc.. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Sanofi. Research Support; Self; ReApplix AS.
