TREATMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC FOOT WOUNDS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES. REVIEW OF PUBLISHED STUDIES

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a significant global health burden, often leading to severe complications, including infection, gangrene, and amputation. Despite the available treatment protocols, these complications persist, emphasizing the need for more effective interventions.The aim of the study is to analyze the current treatment approaches for diabetic foot ulcers, with a particular focus on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its effectiveness.Materials and methods. A systematic review was conducted by selecting literature based on specific keywords from scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Criteria for inclusion were studies focused on the treatment of DFUs, especially those exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy and topical oxygen treatment. The exclusion criteria were articles not peer-reviewed or lacking specific results on the healing of DFUs. Eighteen studies were included in the analysis, with particular attention paid to three double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs).The results demonstrated mixed outcomes. While one RCT found no significant difference in healing outcomes when using HBOT, the other two studies showed promising improvements in wound healing and a reduction in ulcer size. Emerging therapies, such as topical oxygen application, were also discussed, with recent research suggesting positive effects, though more data are needed. Overall, despite some inconsistencies in results, the review indicates that HBOT and newer oxygen-based treatments may contribute to better wound healing, especially in ischemic or hypoxic wounds.In conclusion, although evidence supports the benefits of HBOT in certain cases of diabetic foot ulcers, further research is needed to solidify its position within standard treatment protocols. Future studies should focus on larger populations and include consistent methodologies to provide more conclusive evidence.