What Researchers Did
Researchers tracked 20 patients with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers for 3 years, 14 received HBOT plus standard care, and 6 received standard care only, measuring wound size, blood markers, and blood vessel growth.
What They Found
After 3 months, HBOT patients showed significant reductions in wound size and inflammation markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, p < 0.05), along with trends toward lower CRP and VEGF levels. HBOT patients also had lower rates of leg amputation and death compared to the standard care group over the full 3 years. Wound recurrence rates were similar between both groups.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians with diabetes who have foot ulcers that won't heal with standard treatment, HBOT may reduce the risk of amputation and death while improving healing. This study adds to evidence that HBOT works through biological changes, increasing blood vessel growth and reducing inflammation, not just by delivering more oxygen.
Canadian Relevance
Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario; this study supports the clinical basis for that coverage.
Study Limitations
Only 20 patients participated, and the study was not randomized, making it impossible to rule out other factors that could explain the differences between groups.