What Researchers Did
Researchers looked back at patient records to see how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) affected diabetic foot wounds graded 3-5 on the Wagner Grading System.
What They Found
One hundred and seventeen patients with 126 diabetic foot wounds received HBOT. The study found that a history of coronary artery disease, stroke, or non-proliferative or proliferative retinopathy negatively affected the outcome of HBOT for these wounds.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with diabetic foot ulcers, this study suggests that existing conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, or certain types of retinopathy might reduce the effectiveness of HBOT. Patients should discuss these factors with their healthcare team when considering HBOT for their diabetic foot wounds.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers diabetic foot ulcers, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective analysis, this study relies on existing patient data, which may limit the control over variables and the generalizability of the findings.