To Compare The Efficacy Of Topical Timolol Versus Normal Saline Dressing In The Treatment Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background The incidence of diabetes and its complications are on a steady rise. The risk of lower extremity amputations is 15 fold higher in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics. Chronic diabetic foot ulcer is the leading cause of amputations in these patients. These diabetic ulcers are known to be refractory to conventional treatment and may herald severe complications if not treated wisely. Topical Timolol acts by improving keratinocyte migration and accelerates epithelialization. Objective of the study “To compare the efficacy of topical Timolol versus normal saline dressing in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers – a randomized controlled trial" Methodology The present study was a randomized controlled trial conducted at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC Belagavi. Total of 60 patients were enrolled. They were divided into two groups through computerized randomization . Control group patients were treated with conventional dressing and study group patients were treated with topical Timolol(0.5%) dressing and observed for reduction in the ulcer size over a span of 15 days. Results The study group patients showed reduction in ulcer size of about 26.71% as against 12.39 % of the control group which is statistically significant( P value at 0.0001.) Conclusion Topical Timolol dressing showed faster and better healing rates as compared to normal saline dressing . Background The incidence of diabetes and its complications are on a steady rise. The risk of lower extremity amputations is 15 fold higher in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics. Chronic diabetic foot ulcer is the leading cause of amputations in these patients. These diabetic ulcers are known to be refractory to conventional treatment and may herald severe complications if not treated wisely. Topical Timolol acts by improving keratinocyte migration and accelerates epithelialization. Objective of the study “To compare the efficacy of topical Timolol versus normal saline dressing in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers – a randomized controlled trial" Methodology The present study was a randomized controlled trial conducted at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC Belagavi. Total of 60 patients were enrolled. They were divided into two groups through computerized randomization . Control group patients were treated with conventional dressing and study group patients were treated with topical Timolol(0.5%) dressing and observed for reduction in the ulcer size over a span of 15 days. Results The study group patients showed reduction in ulcer size of about 26.71% as against 12.39 % of the control group which is statistically significant( P value at 0.0001.) Conclusion Topical Timolol dressing showed faster and better healing rates as compared to normal saline dressing .