What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of 22 studies (RCTs, systematic reviews, and non-randomized studies) comparing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and HBOT as independent treatments for diabetic foot ulcers.
What They Found
Both treatments are effective: NPWT accelerated wound healing with results varying by clinical context. HBOT demonstrated significant benefits for angiogenesis and significantly reduced major amputation rates. Neither therapy was definitively superior to the other based on current evidence.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This review supports HBOT as an evidence-based option that reduces major amputations in diabetic foot ulcer patients. Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. Treatment choice should be individualized based on ulcer severity, patient health, and local access to each therapy.
Canadian Relevance
Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. This systematic review directly supports the clinical rationale for that coverage.
Study Limitations
The 22 included studies varied significantly in methodology, patient populations, and outcome measures, making direct head-to-head comparison between NPWT and HBOT difficult.