Open AccessThe effect of transcutaneous application of gaseous CO 2 on diabetic chronic wound healing—A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Author(s) -
Macura Milos,
Ban Frangez Helena,
Cankar Ksenija,
Finžgar Miha,
Frangez Igor
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/iwj.13436
Subject(s) - medicine , adjuvant , wound healing , adjuvant therapy , clinical trial , double blind , randomized controlled trial , surgery , diabetic ulcers , chronic wound , anesthesia , diabetes mellitus , diabetic foot , placebo , alternative medicine , chemotherapy , pathology , endocrinology
Chronic wounds in diabetics are difficult to treat, therefore, adjuvant therapies have been investigated. Bathing in CO 2 ‐rich water (spa therapy) has been known in Europe for decades for its positive effect on peripheral vascular disorders. Recently, much effort has been invested in developing optimal application methods of CO 2 . Uses include subcutaneous injections of CO 2 , bathing in CO 2 ‐enriched water, and transcutaneous application of CO 2 . To verify the effect of transcutaneous application of gaseous CO 2 on the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, a randomized double‐blind clinical research was designed. The research included 30 and 27 wounds in the study and control groups, respectively. In addition to standard treatment, patients in the study group received 20 therapies with medical‐grade CO 2 gas and the control group received the same treatment with air. Results showed significantly faster healing in the study group: 20 of the 30 wounds in the study group were healed compared with none in the control group. Mean wound surface and volume in the study group was reduced significantly (surface: 96%, P = .001, volume: 99%, P = .003) compared with a small reduction in the control group (surface: 25%, P = .383, volume: 27%, P = .178). Considering our results, transcutaneous application of gaseous CO 2 is an effective adjuvant therapy in diabetic chronic wound treatment.