Background Wound healing shows a unique interaction of several cells,
growth factors and
cytokines. The healing of chronic
plantar ulcer of
leprosy is influenced by various factors, one of which is the concentration of
growth factors and
cytokines related to the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing.
Growth factors and
cytokines can be found in the secretome of adipose mesenchymal stem cells. Aim To compare the effectiveness of topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-
conditioned medium and
framycetin gauze dressing only on the healing of chronic
plantar ulcer of
leprosy. Methods In this randomised controlled trial, 32 patients with chronic
plantar ulcer of
leprosy were recruited. After detailed clinical and initial
debridement, patients were randomised to two groups to receive either topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-
conditioned medium (n = 16) or
framycetin gauze dressing only (n = 16) applied every three days for up to eight weeks, following which the
ulcer size, adverse reactions and complications if any were monitored weekly. Results Healing percentage increased each week in all groups. Statistical differences between groups (P < 0.05) were observed from week 2 onwards for
ulcer mean size reduction and from week 3 onwards for
ulcer mean depth reduction. There were no adverse reactions or complications. Limitations Off-loading on subjects were not performed. Conclusion Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-
conditioned medium is a potential therapeutic agent in the management of chronic
plantar ulcer of
leprosy.