Efficacy of Superoxide Solution (Oxum) as Compared to Povidone-iodine in Healing of Chronic Ulcers
Abstract
Background: Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process. The main purpose of wound dressings is to provide the suitable
environment for healing. Various treatment modalities have been discovered over the years in the form of different types of
wound dressings. As wounds are great burdens on the health-care system contributing to substantial mortality, morbidity and
costs hence the need for study.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a single-center, prospective, clinical trial comparing oxum (superoxidized water)
and betadine as a topical treatment of chronic wounds conducted in 100 Indian patients, with 50 patients in each group. All
patients underwent daily dressing, debridement when needed and appropriate antibiotics. Clinical findings were recorded on
day 1, 5, 7, 12, and 21 and compared.
Results: Reduction in wound size in oxum group was more as compared to betadine, however, it was not significant on day
5, 7, and 12 but results were significant for day 21. Rate of secondary infection for Group A was 22.22% and Group B was
38.44%. Appearance of granulation tissue and epithelization was earlier in Group A as compared to Group B. At day 12 in
Group A, 96% of patients developed granulation, and in Group B, 56% of patients had granulation. At day 12 in Group A, 68%
of patients had epithelization, and in Group B, 36% of patients had epithelization. Average duration of hospital stay for Group A
was 19.84 days with SD of 16.041 while average hospital stay time for Group B was 25.31 with ±6.129. No adverse reaction
was seen in either group.
Conclusion: In the management of lower limb ulcer, a superoxide solution (SOS) debrides necrotic tissue, reduces microbial
load, promotes granulation, and decreases the healing time, without damaging the normal tissue or complications. Those
patients, who have small superficial ulcers or not fit for definite surgery, can be managed conservatively with SOS only. Hence,
SOS is safe, more effective, and efficacious as compared to povidone-iodine for ulcer management.
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