a randomized controlled trial to compare efficacy of collagen granule-based dressing versus conventional dressing in the management of diabetic foot ulcers

Background and Objective: Diabetic foot ulcers are the most common reason for frequent hospitalization of diabetic patients. Management of ulcers by appropriate clinical practices such as thorough dressing and sterile wound creation to achieve improved mobility as well as completeness of healing are the significant goals of the clinicians. The current study aimed to compare the efficacy of collagen granule-based dressing over the conventional dressing in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from January 2013 to December 2013. A total of 60 patients having diabetic foot ulcers were studied. Routine investigations such as complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, culture and antibiotic sensitivity, and X-ray of the foot were performed. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 30; treated with topical collagen granules dressing) and Group B (n = 30; treated with conventional dressing). Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet, categorical data were expressed as rates, ratios, and percentages, and the comparison was performed using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: At the end of week 2, the mean wound area, after the dressing, was significantly less in Group A compared to Group B (P ≤ 0.001). The study also showed lower number of patients with slough/necrotic tissue in Group A than in Group B (P ≤ 0.001). At the end of week 4, no patient with wound discharge was observed in Group A compared to Group B (P = 0.005). Conclusion: The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with collagen granule resulted in the reduction in wound area, slough/necrotic tissue, and wound discharge, leading to early wound healing compared to conventional dressing.