The Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles (Tetrasilver Tetroxide) in Treatment of Diabetc Foot Ulcer

Abstract Background Uncontrolled diabetes contributes to the development of neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease by complex metabolic pathways. Loss of sensation caused by peripheral neuropathy, ischemia due to peripheral arterial disease, or a combination of these may lead to foot ulcers. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to know the efficacy of the tetra silver tetroxide (silver nanoparticles) in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. the primary endpoint is limb salvage. the secondary endpoint is wound healing, time of wound healing and number of days of dressings. Patients and Methods This is a prospective randomized cohort study that was conducted on 40 patients presented with DFU between 1st of January 2021to 1st of January 2022 at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Nasser institute Hospital. Results This study included 40 patients presented with DFU 20 Patients were treated with conventional dressing.and the other 20 Patients were treated using silver nanopartcles dressing (tetrasilver tetroxide spray and gel.) There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the number of cases with complete healing (P = 0.064). There was highly statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding time of complete healing by weeks (P = 0.000) and number of days of dressing (P = 0.000). There was statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the infection which is more in group b (P = 0.035). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding limb salvage(P = 0.136), minor amputation (P = 0.064) major amputation(P = 0.136) and mortality Conclusion Nano silver dressings are superior to convetional dressings regarding secondary end point (infection and time for complete wound healing and number of days of dressings) and non superior in primary endpoint (limb salvage).