To Compare Efficacy of Vaccum-Assisted Closure (Vac) Therapy versus Conventional Povidone Iodine Dressing In the Management Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers- A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Background and objectives Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Diabetic foot ulcers are the single biggest risk factor for non traumatic foot amputations in persons with diabetes.The study was carried out to assess efficacy of vaccum assisted closure therapy (VACT) versus conventional topical povidone iodine dressing in diabetic foot ulcers. Methodology This one year randomized controlled trial was done from January 2013 to December 2013 at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum. A total of 60 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were enrolled. • Group A – receive Vaccum Assisted Closure (VAC) Therapy. • Group B –receive Conventional Topical Povidone Iodine Dressing (CTPID). Results The age and sex distribution between both the groups were statistically not significant. The mean surface area of an ulcer on day 14 was 11.30cm2 in CTPID and 8.6cm2 in VACT group. This decrease in surface area on day 14th was statistically significant (P value of 0.029). Repeat culture on day 14th ,22 patients showed growth in CTPID group whereas in VACT group only 2 patients had positive growth. When compared,there was statistically significant difference between CTPID and VACT group on day 14th.Thus application of VAC helps to reduce infection status of an ulcer. Conclusion and interpretation Thus we conclude that mean surface area of the ulcer is reduced and infection is controlled better in the VAC Therapy, making VAC a superior option in the management of patients with Diabetic foot Ulcers