Clinical comprehensive treatment protocol for managing diabetic foot ulcers: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of diabetes, often leading to severe infections, amputations, and reduced quality of life. The current standard treatment protocols for DFUs have limitations in promoting efficient wound healing and preventing complications. A comprehensive treatment approach targeting multiple aspects of wound care may offer improved outcomes for patients with DFUs. The hypothesis of this study is that a comprehensive treatment protocol for DFUs will result in faster wound healing, reduced amputation rates, and improved overall patient outcomes compared to standard treatment protocols. AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of a comprehensive treatment protocol for DFUs with those of the standard treatment protocol. METHODS This retrospective study included 62 patients with DFUs, enrolled between January 2022 and January 2024, randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 32) or control (n = 30) group. The experimental group received a comprehensive treatment comprising blood circulation improvement, debridement, vacuum sealing drainage, recombinant human epidermal growth factor and anti-inflammatory dressing, and skin grafting. The control group received standard treatment, which included wound cleaning and dressing, antibiotics administration, and surgical debridement or amputation, if necessary. Time taken to reduce the white blood cell count, number of dressing changes, wound healing rate and time, and amputation rate were assessed. RESULTS The experimental group exhibited significantly better outcomes than those of the control group in terms of the wound healing rate, wound healing time, and amputation rate. Additionally, the comprehensive treatment protocol was safe and well tolerated by the patients. CONCLUSION Comprehensive treatment for DFUs is more effective than standard treatment, promoting granulation tissue growth, shortening hospitalization time, reducing pain and amputation rate, improving wound healing, and enhancing quality of life.