The Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles (Tetrasilver Tetroxide) in Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes, associated with high risks of infection, amputation, and reduced quality of life. Silver nanoparticle dressings, known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offer a promising advanced treatment option. This prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of tetra silver tetroxide dressings compared to conventional dressings in managing DFUs, with limb salvage as the primary endpoint and wound healing parameters as secondary endpoints. Fifty-nine patients were randomly assigned to Group A (tetra silver tetroxide spray and gel, n = 30) or Group B (conventional dressings, n = 29). While no statistically significant difference in limb salvage rates was observed (Group A: 100% vs 86.21%; P = .052), the silver nanoparticle dressing demonstrated superior outcomes in all secondary endpoints: a higher rate of complete healing (100% vs 82.76%, P = .024), reduced mean healing time (9.77 vs 18.79 weeks, P < .001), lower incidence of post-treatment infection (0% vs 20.69%, P = .011), and fewer median dressing days (62.5 vs 122.5 days, P < .001). These findings indicate that tetra silver tetroxide nanoparticle dressings significantly accelerate wound healing, reduce infection, and lessen treatment burden, supporting their use as an effective DFU treatment option.