Role of Placentrex Gel in Wound Care
Placentrex gel (human placental extract) can be considered as an adjunctive treatment for wound healing in cases where standard wound care alone has failed to reduce wound size, particularly in diabetic foot ulcers. 1
Evidence for Placental Extract in Wound Care
Guideline Recommendations
The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has made specific recommendations regarding placental-derived products:
- In their 2023 update, IWGDF conditionally recommends placental-derived products as adjunct therapy to standard care for wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers where standard care alone has failed 1
- The 2019 IWGDF guidelines similarly suggested considering placental-derived products as an adjunctive treatment when best standard of care alone has failed to reduce wound size 1
Mechanism of Action
Human placental membranes contain:
- Growth factors (including TGF-β3, VEGF, PDGF, and basic fibroblast growth factor)
- Collagen-rich extracellular matrix
- Antimicrobial proteins
- Angiogenic factors 1
These components provide necessary mechanisms for coordinated wound healing by promoting:
- Angiogenesis
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Tissue regeneration
- Antimicrobial properties 2
Clinical Evidence
Research has demonstrated that placental extract formulations can be effective for wound management:
- A study comparing placental-extract gel and cream in 120 patients with chronic non-healing wounds found that both formulations achieved more than 50% wound healing after eight weeks in approximately 73% of patients 3
- Microscopic angiogenesis grading system (MAGS) scores showed similar improvements with both gel and cream formulations 3
- A comparative study evaluating human placental extract (placentrex gel) versus povidone-iodine for wound healing after orthopedic surgeries found comparable wound healing effects between the two treatments 4
Application in Clinical Practice
When to Consider Placentrex Gel
- For chronic non-healing wounds that have failed standard care
- Particularly beneficial in diabetic foot ulcers that are difficult to heal 1
- As an adjunctive therapy, not as a replacement for standard wound care
Application Method
- Apply directly to the wound after thorough cleaning and debridement
- Cover with appropriate dressing based on wound characteristics
- Reapply according to manufacturer's instructions and wound assessment
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Regular wound assessment to monitor healing progress
- Evaluate for signs of infection or adverse reactions
- Document wound size, appearance, and healing progression
Limitations and Considerations
- Evidence quality is generally low to moderate 1
- Cost considerations: Treatment can be expensive (studies reported costs of $2000-3000 per healed ulcer for some placental-derived products) 1
- Not all placental products are identical - formulations vary in preparation methods and components
- Should be used as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, standard wound care practices
Standard Wound Care Principles
While using Placentrex gel, maintain standard wound care practices:
- Appropriate wound cleansing with saline or water 5
- Debridement of necrotic tissue when present
- Selection of appropriate dressings based on wound characteristics
- Management of underlying conditions affecting wound healing
- Monitoring for signs of infection
Conclusion
Placentrex gel represents a potentially valuable adjunctive treatment for chronic non-healing wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers that have failed to respond to standard care. While the evidence quality is generally low to moderate, multiple studies and guidelines support its consideration when standard approaches have been ineffective.