Diabetic Foot Ulcerations and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Authors

Natalie S. Brewster, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Internal Medicine- Geriatrics

Advisor

Dr. Tom Colletti

Abstract

Approximately 371 million people worldwide live with the condition of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). It is estimated that 10-25% of these patients that have DM are at risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) during their lifetime.¹ Unfortunately, the rate of DFUs are increasing, as the rate of DM rises nationwide which poses a major health concern, as DFUs are associated with high morbidity and mortality.^1,2 Wound care treatment for DFUs currently include conventional dressings such as; wet to dry gauze, as well as newer therapies including hydrocolloid wound gels, growth factors, enzymatic debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).³ If DFUs are not healed quickly and effectively, they can lead to infection, loss of limb, or death.^1,2,4 Treatment of DFUs remains vague and circumstantial depending on the wound description and characteristics such as discharge amount and type, presence of slough or adherent eschar, and presence of tunneling or maseration.³ Newer therapies including NPWT are being evaluated and studied on rates of healing and effectiveness on decreasing complications. Multiple studies identified that NPWT when used in correct clinical situations, are more successful with faster healing and decreasing complications when compared to conventional dressing techniques.^3,7-9

Recommended Citation

Brewster NS. Diabetic Foot Ulcerations and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(1).