A Comparative Study of Topical Phenytoin Vs Conventional Wound Care in Diabetic Ulcer

Aim: To assess the efficiency of topical phenytoin compared to conventional wound care in improving the healing process in diabetic ulcers and prove that topical phenytoin can be used as relatively low cost, case of use and a better alternate in management diabetic ulcers. Material and methods: This is a prospective randomised comparative study where data from 100 patients with diabetic ulcer collected. Of which 50 underwent topical phenytoin dressings, remaining 50 underwent conventional wound care. The results were compared after 14 days. The variables were compared based on rate of granulation tissue formation as percentage of ulcer area covered and duration of hospital stay. The categorical variable was compared by chi square test and continuous variable by student t-test. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 50 patients who underwent topical phenytoin, after 14 days mean rate of granulation tissue formation was 84%. Mean graft take up was 86.32% and mean hospital stay was 40.50 days. Remaining 50 patients who underwent conventional wound care mean rate of granulation formation was 58.72%. The Mean graft take up was only 74.74% of total ulcer surface area, mean hospital stay was58.52 days. Conclusion: To conclude, topical phenytoin helps in faster healing of the diabetic ulcer and better graft takeup and reduces hospital stay of these patients.