Effect of negative pressure wound therapy on wound thermometry in diabetic foot ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the treatment of choice for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), and the role of NPWT in the management of DFU is limited. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of NPWT versus conventional dressing (CD) on wound healing in DFU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 55 patients were included and divided into two groups: 23 patients were treated with NPWT and 32 patients with CD. The NPWT dressings were changed every 7 days, while the CDs were changed daily. Wound culture sensitivity, wound size, granulation tissue, and pain evaluation (assessed by Visual Analog Scale) were all measured at the start and 3 weeks or until the ulcer was healed. The wound margin temperature was measured at four random sites for thermometric evaluation, and normal limb temperature was also measured for comparison. Patients' satisfaction and treatment costs were also compared.

RESULTS: On days 14 and 21, the wound size was reduced significantly in the NPWT group ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The percentage reduction in wound size from baseline to days 7, 14, and 21 was significantly higher in the NPWT group ( P = 0.013, P = 0.001, and P = 0.029, respectively). On days 7, 14, and 21, the granulation tissue score was significantly higher in the NPWT group ( P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). On days 14 and 21, the mean VAS score was significantly low in the NPWT group ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The majority of wounds in the NPWT group were sterile on day 21 compared to those in the CD group ( P = 0.008). The majority of patients in the NPWT group had excellent patient satisfaction ( P < 0.001). The average material cost was significantly higher in the NPWT group ( P = 0.001). The mean wound temperature of the affected limb was significantly higher compared to that of the unaffected limb ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In terms of early formation of granulation tissue, faster wound size reduction, less discomfort, and patient satisfaction, the study indicated that NPWT appeared to be superior. An initial rise in temperature in a DFU may indicate the presence of a pre-ulcerative lesion.