Early Clinical Experience with a Topical Desiccating Agent for Wound Bed Preparation in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Summary: This retrospective case series evaluates the clinical outcomes of a novel topical desiccating agent (TDA) used under a compassionate-use protocol for wound bed preparation in 67 patients with hard-to-heal (chronic) diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) treated between 2020 and 2023. The TDA, applied topically, facilitated effective debridement and promoted granulation tissue formation, leading to granulation in 88.1% of cases (mean time: 44.3 days) and complete re-epithelialization in 85.1% of patients. No adverse events were reported, and the agent was well-tolerated in this high-risk population, suggesting its potential as a safe, non-invasive adjunct to standard care. Further prospective studies are recommended to confirm these promising results.
Key Highlights:
- Patient cohort: 67 adults with chronic DFUs; treated under institutional ethics-approved compassionate-use protocol from 2020-2023.
- Granulation achievement: 88.1% of patients (mean time to granulation: 44.3 days), indicating rapid wound bed preparation.
- Healing outcomes: 85.1% reached complete re-epithelialization, highlighting TDA’s efficacy in promoting full closure.
- Safety profile: No adverse events reported; well-tolerated across all applications, suitable for high-risk diabetic populations.
- Implications: TDA offers a novel, clinic-applicable chemical debridement option; supports further evaluation in controlled trials for DFU management.
Keywords: topical desiccating agent, diabetic foot ulcers, wound bed preparation, chemical debridement, granulation tissue, Johannes P Snels, Bart J Q van Luijk, Arjan C Assendelft