A CLINICAL STUDY ON EFFICACY OF NANOCRYSTALLINE SILVER DRESSING IN DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS
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Keywords
Diabetic foot ulcer, Nanocrystalline silver dressing, Conventional dressing, Wound healing, Hospital stay
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, leading to long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. Among these, diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most common and serious complications, affecting nearly 15% of diabetic patients during their lifetime and often resulting in prolonged hospitalisation and limb amputation. Effective wound management is crucial for improving healing rates and reducing morbidity. Nanocrystalline silver dressings have emerged as an advanced wound care modality due to their potent antimicrobial properties and ability to maintain an optimal moist wound environment.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of nanocrystalline silver dressings compared to conventional dressings in the management of diabetic foot ulcers.
Methodology: This prospective interventional comparative study was conducted over a period of two years at Government Medical College and Hospital, Kadapa, after Institutional Ethical Committee approval. A total of 100 patients aged 18–75 years with Wagner’s grade II diabetic foot ulcers were selected using simple random sampling and divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A received nanocrystalline silver dressings, while Group B received conventional dressings. Outcome measures included number of dressings required, percentage reduction in ulcer size measured by ulcer planometry, and length of hospital stay. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean number of dressings required was significantly lower in Group A (10.28 ± 2.82) compared to Group B (21.74 ± 3.89). The mean hospital stay was shorter in Group A (20.26 ± 5.64 days) than in Group B (43.16 ± 7.87 days). The mean percentage reduction in ulcer size was higher in Group A (95.24 ± 2.64%) compared to Group B (83.32 ± 6.11%). These differences indicate superior wound healing outcomes with nanocrystalline silver dressings.
Conclusion: Nanocrystalline silver dressings are safe, effective, and more patient-compliant than conventional dressings in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. They significantly reduce the number of dressings required, shorten hospital stay, and enhance ulcer size reduction, thereby offering a superior option for DFU management.
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Dr. G. Madhusudhana
Assistant Professor Of General Surgery, GMC Kadapa
Dr. V. Vamsi Kalyan
Post Graduate Of General Surgery, GMC, Kadapa
Dr. B. Krishnamurthy
Post Graduate Of General Surgery, GMC, Kadapa
Dr. P. Shravan
Post Graduate Of General Surgery, GMC, Kadapa
