Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in diabetic foot ulceration: Useless or useful? A battle

Abstract

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in the treatment of certain types of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) has been the topic of much debate and disagreement over the last several decades. In this review, the evidence for its use is presented and discussed by two experts in DFU management. Whereas some randomized controlled trials suggest that HBO may speed the healing of certain ischaemic or neuroischaemic ulcers after the failure of standard of care, most recent trials have been negative. No RCT is perfect, and the weaknesses of RCTs in this therapeutic area are discussed. It can be concluded that the indications for the use of HBO remain unclear, and that large, rigorously designed and executed RCTs are required to clarify the use of HBO in DFU treatment.