Comparison of efficacy of diperoxochloric acid versus normal saline dressing in chronic diabetic foot ulcers

What is it about?

Abstract Introduction Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is caused by a combination of hyperglycemia, vascular insufficiency, neuropathy, arthropathy and poor immunity. Regular dressing is important in the management of DFUs after achieving glycemic and infection control. Currently, both conventional and advanced dressing materials are available, with each having its own limitations. Diperoxochloric acid (DPOCL) serves as a new drug in the field of severe wound-healing disorders. It exerts functional effects similar to reactive oxygen species (ROS) by releasing chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) upon decomposition, which provides antibacterial activity. Objective To compare the percentage and absolute reduction in the wound surface area (WSA) among DPOCL and Normal saline groups. Method This is a randomised single blinded prospective study. Seventy-four patients were enrolled and divided into two groups by permuted block randomisation. Patients in Group A were managed with DPOCL solution daily dressing and patients in Group B received daily normal saline dressing. The study was carried out for 12 months from 30 June 2022 to 30 June 2023 and the treatment period was equal to follow-up period and lasted 30 days for each patient. Result The study showed that the percentage reduction in WSA of patients in Group A & Group B was 93.02%±3.39% and 79.64%±6.106% respectively. Reduction in WSA was significantly higher in Group A as compared to Group B after 30 days of treatment with DPOCL. P value=0.001. The healing rate was 16.5mm-sq/day in Group A compared to 14.9mm-sq/day of Group B. Conclusion The study findings suggest that DPOCL is a safe and effective option and may offer advantages over conventional normal saline dressings.

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