Comparative Study of Effect of Topical Phenytoin With Normal Saline Dressing In Healing Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers –A Randomized Control Study

Abstract

Background and objectives ABSTRACT The management of wound and wound dressing is an important aspect of chronic ulcer management. Choosing an appropriate dressing can be a complex process. Topical phenytoin helps in faster wound remodelling. Objective The objective of the study was to assess the effect of topical phenytoin dressings with normal saline dressing in healing of diabetic foot ulcers in terms of mean decrease in size of the ulcer Methodology The present one year randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum on 60 patients with diabetic foot ulcer during the period of January 2010 to December 2010. The patients were divided into two different groups by number randomization (Group 1 topical phenytoin and Group 2 normal saline dressing). Wound measurement was taken on day one and end of every week for four weeks. Mean reduction in ulcer area at the end of four weeks 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 mean reduction in wound area was 1856.9±724.9mm in patients treated with topical phenytoin dressings and1066.8±565.3mm in patients treated with normal saline dressings, which is statistically significant (p<0.001). IV Conclusions Topical phenytoin dressing can be used for the healing of diabetic foot ulcer