What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial of 94 patients with diabetic foot ulcers, comparing 43 patients receiving HBOT plus standard antibiotic and wound care against 51 patients receiving standard care only.
What They Found
The HBOT group had significantly better infection control and granulation tissue growth (p<0.001). Treatment time was shorter in the HBOT group (10.1 versus 15.1 days). Amputation rate was 4.6% in the HBOT group versus 11.7% in controls, a more than 60% relative reduction in amputations.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This RCT provides direct evidence that adding HBOT to standard care for diabetic foot ulcers reduces both treatment time and amputation risk. Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. Canadian patients with non-healing diabetic foot wounds should ask their diabetes care team about an HBOT referral before amputation is considered.
Canadian Relevance
Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. The more-than-halved amputation rate in this RCT is directly relevant to the clinical and economic burden of diabetic foot disease in Canada.
Study Limitations
The study was conducted at a single Vietnamese center; patient demographics, diabetes management, and wound care protocols may differ from Canadian practice, and the study lacked blinding.