Efficacy of Topical Oxygen Therapy as an Adjuvant to Conventional Dressing in Wound Healing – A Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of lower limb ulcers is common in India and there is a dearth of research work regarding the use of topical oxygen therapy (TOT) in wound healing. The present research aimed to compare the efficacy of wound healing in lower limb ulcers with and without TOT as an adjuvant to conventional dressing. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled study was conducted in patients aged between 18 and 65 years with diabetic foot ulcers, ulcers secondary to peripheral arterial disease, ulcers due to chronic venous insufficiency, pressure sores and traumatic ulcers. Post-debridement patients were randomised into two groups of 35 patients each. Group A and Group B patients received TOT along with normal saline dressing and only normal saline dressings, respectively. Results: The median surface area of the wound on post-debridement day, day 3, day 7, 1 week after discharge and 1-month post-operatively was significantly lower in Group A as compared to Group B. The percentage reduction in surface area of the wound at 1-month post-operative follow-up was significantly higher in Group A as compared to Group B. Significantly higher proportion of cases in Group A had relatively better ulcer bed score (scores 0 or 1) at day 7 and 1-month post-operative follow-up as compared to Group B. The median amount of exudate on post-debridement day, day 3, day 7 and 1 week after discharge was significantly lower in Group A as compared to Group B. Conclusions: TOT can be used to improve wound healing in lower limb ulcers.