Comparison of Super-oxidized Solution versus Povidone Iodine in Management of Infected Diabetic Ulcers: Our Experience

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is a challenging problem to every clinician in day to day practice. Super-oxidized Solution is a newer concept in the wound management. The present study was aimed to compare the efficacy of dressings with super-oxidized solution versus povidone iodine in the management of infected diabetic ulcers. Materials and methods: This one year randomized controlled trial was conducted on a total of 60 patients presenting with infected diabetic ulcers. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each based on computer generated randomization that is, group A (Topical super-oxidized solution dressing) and group B (Topical povidone iodine dressing). Wound was observed for decrease in size of the ulcer, granulation, tissue quality and discharge from the wound at the end of each week for two weeks. Results: In the present study, 76.67% of patients in group A and B were males and the male to female ratio was 3.2:1. The mean group A was 55.90 ± 14.27 years compared to 51.50 ± 13.18 years in group B. Type 2 diabetes was present in 96.67% and 93.33% of patients in group A and B. The mean initial ulcer area in group A was 3882 ± 1890 mm2compared to 3992 ± 2000 mm2in group B. The mean final area in group A was significantly low (1607 ± 862 mm2) compared to group B (2351 ± 1240 mm2; p=0.009) and the comparison of mean change in ulcer area was significantly high in group A compared to group B (2215 ± 1060 mm2vs 1641 ± 856 mm2; p=0.024). The mean percentage reduction in ulcer area among patients with group A was significantly high (58.90 ± 5.21 percent vs. 40.90 ± 8.76 percent; p=0.024).The commonest organism isolated in group A was Escherichia coli (26.67%) and in group B, it was staphylococcus. The culture was positive in 26% of the patients in group A compared to 50% in group B (p=0.063). Conclusion : Overall, topical super-oxidized solution dressings accelerated the healing process resulting in faster recovery through reduction in ulcer area in patients infected with diabetic ulcers compared to topical povidone iodine dressing.