Effect of TLC-NOSF Dressing on Epithelization of Diabetic Wounds: A Pilot Clinical Trial

Background: The positive effects of technology-lipid-colloid (TLC) dressings impregnated with nano-oligosaccharide factors (NOSF) have been well documented. However, there is insufficient study on the specific impact of TLC-NOSF dressings on epithelization in patients with diabetes who have partial-thickness wounds. This article presents the results of a pilot clinical trial conducted to address the aforementioned issue.Methods: Twenty patients with diabetes who underwent split-thickness skin grafting were enrolled in this study. Half of the donor site was covered with a TLC-NOSF dressing, whereas the other half was covered with a TLC dressing. The ratio of complete epithelialization within 14 days postoperatively was compared between the two groups. Furthermore, progress of epithelialization was assessed to determine whether the TLC or TLC-NOSF dressing promoted more rapid epithelialization.Results: Seventeen patients completed the study. The percentages of complete epithelialization in the TLC and TLC-NOSF dressing groups were 41% (7/17) and 53% (9/17), respectively (P = 0.49). Regarding the degree of epithelialization, the differences between the TLC-NOSF and TLC dressing were not statistically significant. The TLC-NOSF dressing was superior in nine patients, while the TLC dressing was superior in two patients. Six patients demonstrated “no significant difference” (P = 0.11).Conclusion: Based on the current results alone, it is difficult to definitively conclude that TLC-NOSF dressings are superior to TLC dressings. However, these findings suggest a potential positive effect of TLC-NOSF dressings. Further large-scale studies are required to validate these results.