Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE AND COMPARITIVE STUDY ON “IMPACT OF PHENYTOIN DRESSING ON DIABETIC FOOT WOUND HEALING RATE”

Rajeswari Madishetty*, Kola Sechana Sridhar, Alugula Sushmitha and Sainath Rathod

.

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers [DFUs] are a major complication of diabetes mellitus, contributing to significant morbidity and increased risk of lower limb amputation. Poor wound healing in diabetic patients necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies. Phenytoin sodium, originally an anti-epileptic drug, has demonstrated potential in enhancing wound healing. This study evaluates the efficacy of 2% phenytoin sodium solution as a topical dressing for DFUs. Methods: A prospective, comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital with 52 patients randomized into two groups. The test group received 2% phenytoin sodium dressing, while the control group received conventional dressings. Wound healing was monitored through granulation tissue formation, healing rate, and overall wound progression. Safety and adverse effects were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test in SPSS. Results: The test group exhibited significantly faster granulation tissue formation compared to the control group [p < 0.01]. Phenytoin dressing demonstrated superior wound healing efficacy, with a lower incidence of wound infections and better tissue regeneration. Conclusion: Topical application of 2% phenytoin sodium solution enhances wound healing in DFUs by promoting granulation tissue formation and reducing bacterial load. Phenytoin is a cost- effective and safe alternative for DFU management. Further large-scale studies are required to validate these findings and optimize its clinical application.

Keywords: Phenytoin sodium, Diabetic foot ulcers, Wound healing, Granulation tissue, Topical dressing, Diabetes mellitus.