Clinical study on the efficacy of nanocrystalline-silver in diabetic foot

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is a major complication of diabetic patients; with about 3-4% of individuals with diabetes currently having foot ulcers. If untreated they end in amputation. This puts a staggering load on healthworkers to provide an organised diabetic foot care service. Nanocrystalline silver has been gaining increasing popularity. This study aims to compare the efficacy of silver and conventional saline dressings, to provide a basis for popularising the use of silver ointments.Methods :This study is an RCT with 2 groups .We have categorized 50 diabetic foot patients admitted under the department of general surgery of government medical college, Kottayam, during the time period 2018-2019 into 2 groups, withone receiving saline dressings and the other,silver dressings and compared their outcomes. Outcomes were measured in terms of healing by comparing the relative percentages of granulation tissue and slough at various points of time. Results:Outcomes were measured over 8 weeks. It was observed that a significant proportion of diabetic foot ulcers showed regression in terms of slough reduction and granulation in patients receiving silver dressings over saline dressings at the end of 8 weeks with a P value of 0.015. There was no significant correlation between the change in bacteriological profile pre- and post-dressing.Conclusion:Diabetic foot ulcers being a prevalent health problem, it is of paramount importance to come up with effective treatment methods. Introduction of topical agents such as nanocrystalline silver can help control it.