A Randomised Control Trial to Compare Efficacy of Dressings with Collagen Granules versus Conventional Dressing in Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Background and Objectives Diabetic foot problems are the commonest reason for hospitalization of diabetic patients. The present study was aimed to compare the efficacy of collagen granule dressing over the conventional dressing in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Methodology The present one year randomized controlled trial was carried out under the Department of General Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum from January 2013 to December 2013. A total of 60 patients having diabetic foot ulcers were studied. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each as group A (Topical collagen granules dressing) and group B (Conventional dressing). Results In this study most of the patients were males with male to female ratio of 2.75:1 in group A and 1.5:1 in group B (p=0.273). Mean age in group A was 49.00±8.15 years and in group B it was 49.60±10.39 years (p=0.804). The ulcer characteristics including site of ulcer, size, shape, discharge and slough/necrotic tissue were comparable between group A and B (p>0.050). After 10 days of dressing, positive culture was noted in 3.33% of the patients in group A compared to 6.67% in group B (p>0.050). Wound observation at end of second week revealed significantly lower number of patients with pale floor (3.33%) and slough/necrotic tissue (6.67%) in group A (p<0.001). Discharge was comparable in group A and B (96.67% vs 86.67%; p=0.112). At the end of fourth week none of the patient had pale floor and discharge in group A compared to 36.67% and 23.33% in group B (p<0.001 and p=0.005 respectively). The reduction in wound area at the end of second week was significantly high group A (16.53±6.60 sq mm p<0.001). Conclusion and interpretation Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with collagen granule helps in reduction in wound area, slough / necrotic tissue and discharge leading to early wound healing compared to conventional dressing