Randomized control trial to assess the efficacy of superoxide solution on wound healing

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic wounds are the bane of any healthy population, with widespread economic and mental repercussions. Various techniques have been described to improve wound healing which includes the debridement of unhealthy tissue, saline, sodium hypochlorite (Daikin's) solution dressings. Newer techniques described include silver-based solutions and superoxide gel solutions. Methods: The study was a double-blinded randomized control trial. Randomization was done on the same limb of each donor site. The sample size was 16 in each arm. All patients undergoing STSG were randomized into two groups, one receiving the superoxide gel solution to one random half of the wound and the other group receiving only regular dressings. The donor site was analyzed on Day 5, 7, and 9. The assessor was blinded from the solution used. The difference in the rate of healing, with time to epithelialization and granulation, was assessed. Results: The mean time to epithelialization in the superoxide gel group was 6.75 days and in the non-gel group was 8.35 days. The mean difference was 1.60 days, which was statistically significant. The mean time to granulation in the superoxide gel group was 5.89 days and in the non-gel group was 6.60 days. The mean difference was 0.71 days, which was not statistically significant. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.699. Conclusion: There was a significant and faster rate of epithelialization in the superoxide gel group. A superoxide gel solution is a cheaper method to improve the rate of healing.

Keywords

• epithelialization
• granulation
• split-thickness skin graft
• superoxide solution