Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Effectiveness of Topical Phenytoin Versus Normal Saline Dressing in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Non‐Randomized Interventional Study
Pratika Adana, Achaleshwar Dayal and Narmada Patel
Page: 214-220 | Received 25 Dec 2024, Published online: 24 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant complication of diabetes, often leading to chronic wounds, infections and amputations. While normal saline dressings are commonly used, topical phenytoin has emerged as a potential therapeutic option due to its anti‐inflammatory and wound‐healing properties. To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of topical phenytoin dressing with normal saline dressing in terms of wound healing, granulation tissue formation and reduction in bacterial contamination in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This was a single‐center, hospital‐based, non‐randomized interventional study conducted over 18 months at the Department of Surgery, JK Hospital, Bhopal. A total of 110 participants diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner grade 1 and 2) were enrolled and divided into two groups based on their dressing type: topical phenytoin (n=55) and normal saline (n=55). Baseline characteristics, including wound area, were recorded and patients were followed up weekly for six weeks. Outcome measures included wound area reduction, quality of granulation tissue and bacterial contamination rates. The phenytoin group showed significantly faster wound healing, with 61% mean reduction in wound area by week 6 compared to 33% in the saline group (p<0.0001). Granulation tissue formation was healthier in the phenytoin group, with 58.2% of participants showing >75% granulation tissue compared to 29.1% in the saline group (p<0.0001). A higher proportion of participants in the phenytoin group achieved complete wound healing (54.5% vs. 25.4%, p=0.028). The mean hospital stay was also shorter for the phenytoin group (18.6 days) compared to the saline group (24.3 days, p<0.0001). Topical phenytoin dressing is significantly more effective than normal saline in promoting faster wound healing, better granulation tissue quality and reduced hospital stay in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Phenytoin dressings represent a promising alternative for improving outcomes in DFU management.
How to cite this article:
Pratika Adana, Achaleshwar Dayal and Narmada Patel. Effectiveness of Topical Phenytoin Versus Normal Saline Dressing in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Non‐Randomized Interventional Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.214.220
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.2.214.220