Review

Get Permission
Rev Diabet Stud, 2019, 15:74-82 DOI 10.1900/RDS.2019.15.74

Application of Topical Oxygen Therapy in Healing Dynamics of Diabetic Foot Ulcers - A Systematic Review

Megha Nataraj1, Arun G. Maiya1, Gagana Karkada1, Manjunatha Hande2, Gabriel S. Rodrigues3, Rajgopal Shenoy3, Shiva S. Prasad3

1Centre for Diabetic Foot Care and Research (CDFCR), Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
2Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
3Department of Surgery, Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
Address correspondence to: Arun G. Maiya, e-mail: arun.maiya.g@gmail.com

Manuscript submitted November 13, 2019; resubmitted December 2, 2019; accepted December 4, 2019; published in print December 30, 2019.

Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer, topical oxygen therapy, topical warm oxygen therapy, wound healing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals with diabetes may develop diabetic foot ulcers due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Multiple factors influence the ulcer healing process; oxygen helps in facilitating the different stages of wound healing. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the different levels of evidence available in the application of topical oxygen therapy, warm oxygen therapy, or other modes of topical oxygen delivery in the healing dynamics of diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: Databases searched included Pubmed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The eligibility criteria of studies included participants ≥18 years with chronic non-healing diabetic foot ulcer (duration ≥3 months) receiving warm oxygen or topical oxygen therapy (TOT), and other modes of topical oxygen administration, which were compared with standard care group. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. The primary outcome measure assessed was the rate of wound healing or wound closure. RESULTS: The review included 5 studies which used different modes of topical oxygen administration. The healing trajectory of the wounds was completely achieved in low-grade ulcers (grade 1), whereas all high-grade ulcers (grades 2, 3, and above) showed either 100% or 50% healing with a reduction in ulcer size and ulcer tissue depth. CONCLUSION: Topical oxygen therapy facilitates wound healing dynamics among individuals with chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Fulltext: HTML , PDF (272KB)