What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to identify effective interventions for enhancing the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers, analyzing controlled clinical studies published prior to December 2006.
What They Found
Out of 2251 identified papers, 60 were selected for grading, though heterogeneity prevented pooled analysis. Some evidence supported hydrogels as desloughing agents and suggested systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be effective. Additionally, topical negative pressure might promote healing of post-operative wounds, and resection of neuropathic plantar ulcers could be beneficial, but no data justified other topical products.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers might benefit from interventions such as hydrogels for desloughing, systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy, topical negative pressure for post-operative wounds, or surgical resection for neuropathic plantar ulcers. However, many other commonly used topical products and dressings, including antiseptics, currently lack sufficient evidence to justify their use.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The significant heterogeneity among the included studies prevented a pooled analysis of results, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions.