Title: A Prospective Comparative Study of Topical Phenytoin v/s Conventional Dressing for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: A. Silodia, Saket Narnoli, H.K Damde
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.55
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a common cause of morbidity in India and is estimated to affect 15% of all diabetic individuals during their life time. Its prevalence in clinical population is 3.61% and precedes almost 85% of amputation. Though many modalities of dressing have been described for such patients but they are quite costly for patients coming to our setup.
Aims & Objectives
- To evaluate the effectiveness of phenytoin as methods of dressing in treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer.
- To compare the results of topical phenytoin dressing v/s conventional dressing using Eusol & Betadine (povidone iodine )
Material & Methodology: 50 patients were taken in study & randomly divided into two groups of equal size with ulcer size (<5% TBSA) and depth (TEXAS grade 1) as the only selection criteria. Group I was treated with topical phenytoin 20mg/cm2 and Group II with conventional dressing of eusol and povidone iodine.
Daily dressing with oral antibiotics was given in both groups.
Parameters studies were:
a) Presence of Healthy Granulation Tissue (HGT) on Day14.
b) Mean Reduction in Percentage of Ulcer Area on Day 7 & Day 14.
c) > 50% reduction of ulcer area on Day 14.
Observation: In our study we found that there was a significant difference between the two groups in all three parameters we studies in favor of study group.
Presence of HGT on Day14: 86.95 % v/s 48% (p= 0.004)
Mean Reduction in ulcer area on day 7 &14: 41.38 & 68.17 v/s 24.56 & 47.85
(p < 0.001)
>50% reduction in ulcer area on Day 14: 62% v/s 38% (p= 0.004).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that Phenytoin for healing of DFU is an acceptable alternative to conventional method. It is safe, easily available, easy to apply and in expensive.