What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively examined the long-term durability and cost-effectiveness of aggressive, multidisciplinary treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen, for severe diabetic foot ulcers in a cohort of 41 patients.
What They Found
Initial limb salvage was 85%, with 96% of contacted patients (27 out of 28) maintaining intact limbs at the first review. The mean durability of repair was 2.6 years at the initial review and 4.6 years in surviving patients at the second review, with average hospital charges of $31,264 per patient.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Aggressive, multidisciplinary treatment for severe diabetic foot ulcers, potentially including hyperbaric oxygen, could lead to high rates of limb salvage and long-term wound durability for Canadian patients. Implementing such comprehensive care programs may reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with recurrent wounds and amputations, despite initial higher treatment expenses.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
This retrospective study was conducted at a single center with a relatively small cohort, which may limit the generalizability of its findings.