Topical Oxygen Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (i.e., breathing 100% oxygen under high atmospheric pressure) has shown mixed results in studies of diabetic foot ulcers. Now, in a multicenter U.S. and European trial, investigators examined whether topical oxygen promotes healing of such ulcers.

Seventy-three patients with diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to receive pressurized oxygen topically (administered through a chamber placed over the extremity) or sham treatment (same device, delivering nonpressurized room air). Enrollment criteria included ulcer size of 1 to 20 cm², at least 1 month of unsuccessful treatment, and absence of severe limb ischemia. Patients treated themselves at home, 5 times weekly, for 90 minutes per session. At 12 weeks, complete ulce…