Bioengineering, Vol. 12, Pages 1053: Promoting Re-Epithelialization in Diabetic Foot Wounds Using Integrative Therapeutic Approaches

Bioengineering doi: 10.3390/bioengineering12101053

Authors:
Lucia Bubulac
Iuliana-Raluca Gheorghe
Elisabeth Ungureanu
Claudia Florina Bogdan-Andreescu
Cristina-Crenguța Albu
Consuela-Mădălina Gheorghe
Ovidiu Mușat
Irina Anca Eremia
Cristina Aura Panea
Alexandru Burcea

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous chronic disease with an increasing global prevalence. In Romania, 11.6% of the population is affected, yet only 6.46% receive treatment. Among diabetic patients, 15–25% develop skin lesions that may progress to ulceration and necrosis, significantly impairing quality of life and increasing the risk of complications. Methods: We conducted a prospective study including 28 patients (14 in the control group and 14 in the intervention group) with type I or II diabetes and chronic ulcers of the calf or foot (>4 cm2). The control group received standard therapy with debridement, dressings, antibiotics when indicated, and local and systemic ozone therapy. The intervention group was treated with an Integrative Therapeutic Protocol combining ozone therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), colon hydrotherapy with probiotic supplementation, and an anti-inflammatory alkaline diet. Wound healing (reduction in ulcer surface area) was the primary endpoint; secondary endpoints included changes in glycemia and inflammatory biomarkers. Results: After 8 weeks, the intervention group achieved 86.2% re-epithelialization versus 58.2% in controls (p < 0.01). Significant improvements were also observed in blood glucose level (−38%), HbA1c (−25%), CRP (−26%), and fibrinogen (−28%) relative to baseline, with differences versus controls reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: The Integrative Therapeutic Protocol accelerated wound healing and improved glycemic and inflammatory profiles compared with ozone therapy alone. Although an alkaline diet was recommended, adherence and its specific contribution were not objectively monitored; therefore, this component should be interpreted with caution.

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Lucia Bubulac www.mdpi.com