Publication:

A comparative study on the wound healing effectiveness of with normal saline and ionized nano-crystalline silver dressing among chronic diabetic foot ulcer patients

Background Leg ulcers are debilitating and painful which greatly reducing diabetic patient’s quality of life. A prospective cohort study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of wound healing of ionized nano-crystalline silver and normal saline was assessed.

Methods Diabetic patients presented with foot/leg ulcer were divided into 2 groups of 28 in each group. In group 1 patients, sterile cotton gauze impregnated with normal saline was used. Group 2 patients were dressed with sterile cotton gauze impregnated with ionized nano-crystalline silver. Patients were observed for three weeks or until discharge. The rate of wound healing was assessed in three weeks with serial photographs and measurement of ulcers.

Results Total 60 patients were included in the study. In the group 1, thirty-three patients whose ulcer was dressed with normal saline, the healing rate was 1.2 mm/day with an average value of 0.4 mm/day. The granulation tissue developed was dull red and unhealthy. While twenty-seven patients in group 2, whose ulcer dressed with nano-crystalline silver healing rate was found maximum of 1.5 mm/day with an average value of 0.6 mm/day. The granulation tissue developed was bright red and healthy. The area reduction of wound was significantly different between the groups and maximum was found on 15th day (p=0.001).

Conclusions Wound dressing with ionized nano-crystalline silver was better than normal saline. This suggest the potential use of nano- silver based dressing in diabetic leg and foot ulcer patients.