A comparative analysis of the efficacy of topical phenytoin with conventional wound dressing in healing of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Background: Foot ulcers secondary to diabetes mellitus are very difficult to treat. Various agents have been used with varying success for their treatment. Recently phenytoin has been used in the treatment of these stubborn ulcers. Therefore this study was conducted and compared for the efficacy of topical phenytoin with conventional wound dressings in healing of diabetic foot ulcers.Methods: This is a prospective study comprising of 50 patients which were divided into two groups. In group I patients conventional betadine dressing was applied. In group II patients phenytoin was used for the dressing. Both the groups were compared on various parameters like time required for healing, complications, grafting and the results were statically evaluated.Results: Increased rate of granulation tissue formation was seen in topical phenytoin group when compared to conventional group. Better graft take up was seen in topical phenytoin group when compared to conventional group. On contrasting the number of days required for healing, effect on bacterial load and side effects of topical phenytoin dressing with conventional betadine dressing, the former yielded better results in all respects.Conclusions: Topical phenytoin dressing is an effective, inexpensive and widely available therapeutic agent in wound healing in chronic diabetic ulcers.