Results of treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers with hyperbaric oxygen

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common and severe disease with vascular and/or neurological complications, affecting the patient's health and quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is a non-drug treatment method that has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces edema, increases neovascularization, increases the synthesis of collagen fibers, and accelerates the wound healing process. This study aims to evaluate the results of treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers with HBO.

A randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 94 patients was diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers, and treated at the Institute of Maritime Medicine from January 2021 to December 2023. Study subjects were divided into 2 groups: the study group included 43 patients treated with HBO combined with intravenous antibiotics, wound care, and control of underlying disease; the reference group included 51 patients who were not treated with HBO, but were treated with intravenous antibiotics, wound care, and control of underlying disease.

The infection status and level of granulation tissue growth of the study group were better than the reference group (p < 0.001); the depth and diameter of the ulcer in the study group decreased compared to the reference group (p < 0.05). Treatment time and amputation rate in the study group were reduced in comparison with the reference group: 10.1 ± 4.6 days, 15.1 ± 7.8 days and 4.6%, 11.7%.

Hyperbaric oxygens a good method for treating diabetic foot ulcers, helps with anti-inflammation, stimulates the growth of granulation tissue, quickly heals ulcers, reduces treatment time, and reduces amputation rates.