What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a literature review to assess the available evidence on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
What They Found
They identified 10 prospective and 7 retrospective studies evaluating hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers. While one study showed no difference in outcomes, most studies reported reduced amputation rates and improved healing with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with diabetic foot ulcers might benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment to improve healing and potentially reduce amputation risk. This therapy could offer an additional option for managing complex diabetic foot wounds.
Canadian Relevance
This review of the literature has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The review's findings are based on a diverse set of studies, some with differing treatment regimes, which may introduce heterogeneity in the evidence.