Efficacy of Hydrocolloid Dressings and Conventional wet Saline Dressings in the Healing of Chronic Diabetic Ulcer of Lower Limb”- A Randomized control Trial at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belgaum

Abstract

Background and objectives ABSTRACT The management of wound and wound dressing is an important aspect of diabetic ulcer management. Choosing an appropriate dressing can be a complex process. Hydrocolloid dressing is an occlusive dressing which can be used in a variety of wounds. The objective of the study was to assess the hydrocolloid dressings in comparison to conventional wet saline dressings in achieving mean percentage wound reduction in patients with diabetic ulcer of lower extremities more than four weeks duration, using transparency sheet. Methodology The present randomized control study from January 2008 to December 2008 was conducted at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum on 68 patients with chronic diabetic ulcers of lower limb divided into two groups. Study group received hydrocolloid dressings for a period of 14 days while control group received conventional normal saline dressings. Wound measurement was taken on day one and fourteen in both the groups. Percentage area of wound reduction was calculated. Results There was no statistical difference in the baseline characteristics like age, sex and initial wound area of the ulcer between the two groups. The percentage of area reduction was 33.1±6.30 in patients treated with Hydrocolloid dressings and 17.8±4.28 in patients treated with Normal saline dressings, which is statistically significant ( p<0.001) . VIII Conclusion Hydrocolloid dressing can be used for the healing of chronic diabetic ulcer of lower limb.