Adjunctive therapies added to standard of care for diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis with pairwise comparisons.
Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to infection and amputation. Standard care includes cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, and offloading pressure. This study compared additional treatments (adjunctive therapies) to see if they improve healing. Researchers analyzed data from 124 randomized controlled trials involving 11,109 patients. They found that several adjunctive therapies, such as sucrose octasulfate, platelet-rich plasma, and negative pressure wound therapy, significantly increased the rate of complete ulcer healing. For example, sucrose octasulfate was associated with a nearly threefold higher chance of healing compared to standard care alone. The study also found that some therapies reduced the time to healing. These findings suggest that adding certain therapies to standard care can help more ulcers heal. However, the quality of evidence varied, and some therapies had limited data. Patients should discuss these options with their doctor to determine the best approach for their individual situation.
Key takeaways
- This study reviewed 124 trials with over 11,000 patients to compare additional treatments for diabetic foot ulcers.
- Sucrose octasulfate, platelet-rich plasma, and negative pressure wound therapy significantly improved healing rates.
- Sucrose octasulfate nearly tripled the chance of complete healing compared with standard care alone.
- Some adjunctive therapies also reduced the time to heal, potentially leading to faster recovery.
- Patients should ask their doctor if these adjunctive therapies are suitable for their ulcer and accessible locally.
- The evidence quality varied, so not all therapies have equal support; discuss risks and benefits with your clinician.
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This content summarizes published medical research for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
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Editor's note
In China, specialized diabetic foot ulcer centers are increasingly adopting advanced therapies like negative pressure wound therapy and growth factors. This study supports their use, but availability and cost may vary. Patients should consult their healthcare team to explore which adjunctive therapies are feasible and covered by insurance.