Comparison of Hydrogel and Papaya Dressings in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic problem all over the world. Over 150 million people worldwide, are affected with this problem.^{1, 2} In Pakistan, the prevalence of diabetic patients  are between 7.6% to 11%.³.

Objective and Methodology: The aim of this study is to compare the relative efficacy of hydrogel and papaya dressings for diabetic foot ulcers. Patients from the General Surgery Department at Mayo Hospital in Lahore were 114 in total. Patients were randomized into: group H, who received hydrogel dressings, and group P, who received papaya dressings. Both dressings were done in ward for 20 days, every 48 hours and if wound healing occurred earlier and slough decreased then dressings were stopped and patient was discharged. The wound was assessed by photographic wound assessment tool (PWAT).

Results: In Group P, mean age of patients was 52.98±8.90 and in Group H, mean age of patients was 50.98±9.62. In Group P, 34(59.6%) patients were male and 23(40.4%) were female. While in Group H 29(50.9%) patients were male and 28(49.1%) were female patients. We used Wound Assessment tool “PWAT” to compare the efficacy of these two treatment regimes. As per final “PWAT” score hydrogel dressing is more effective as compared to Papaya dressing for diabetic wound healing. i.e. Group P (Papaya dressing): 5.09±1.65 vs. Group H (hydrogel Dressing): 6.02±1.78, p-value=0.005

Conclusion: Depending upon the outcomes of this research, it can be concluded that hydrogel dressing is more useful than papaya dressing for treating diabetic wound. Although papaya dressing also have a beneficial effect on diabetic wound but still its efficacy is less as compared to hydrogel dressing

Keywords: Papaya, Hydrogel, Dressing, Diabetic Foot, Wounds, Ulcer.