A comparative study of phenytoin dressing versus honey dressing in the treatment of cronic ulcers in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot infections are the leading cause of hospitalization morbidity and mortality in diabetics worldwide In India it accounts for 20% of hospitalizations. honey has been investigated to treat ulcers like pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, traumatic wounds and burns. Phenytoin is also now known to promote wound healing and can be an alternative to normal saline specifically in chronic wounds related to diabetes. The present study compares these two modalities in management of diabetic ulcers. Objective: To compare the efficacy of topical phenytoin vs topical honey in chronic diabetic ulcers in terms of rate of wound healing, granulation tissue formation and quality of graft bed for skin grafting. Methods: A comparative prospective study of 50 patients with chronic diabetic ulcers selected based on a predefined criteria divided into two groups: Group A (Phenytoin group) (n=25) and Group B (honey group) (n=25). Final wound area was measured on 30th day. Comparison between the wound size reduction among two groups done at end of 30th day. Outcome was measured in terms of wound reduction, granulation tissue formation and quality of bed for skin grafting between the two groups. Results: This study has shown faster rate of wound healing, better granulation tissue formation and quality graft bed for skin grafting in patients who received topical phenytoin dressing as compared to topical honey dressing.