Triticum vulgare Extract and Polyhexanide (Fitostimoline^® Hydrogel/Fitostimoline^® Plus Gauze) versus Saline Gauze Dressing in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The use of dressings is an essential component of the standard of care for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs); however, despite the wide variety of dressings available, there is a lack of evidence from head-to-head randomized controlled trials. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Triticum vulgare extract and polyhexanide (Fitostimoline^® hydrogel/Fitostimoline^® Plus gauze) versus saline gauze dressings in patients with DFUs.

Methods: This study involved a monocentric, two-arm, open-label, controlled trial in patients with DFUs (Grades I or II, Stage A or C, based on the Texas classification) randomized to 12 weeks of dressing with Fitostimoline^® hydrogel/Fitostimoline^® Plus gauze or saline gauze. The number of patients with complete healing, the reduction in DFU size, and the presence of local signs and symptoms of the wound and perilesional skin were evaluated every two weeks and at the end of treatment.

Results: A total of 40 adult patients were recruited (20 patients in each treatment group). The proportion of patients with complete healing was similar between the two groups (61% vs. 74%, p = 0.495, Fitostimoline^® hydrogel/Fitostimoline^® Plus gauze vs. saline gauze, respectively), without significant differences, as well as the reduction in DFU size. A significant improvement in local signs and symptoms of the wound and signs of perilesional skin in the Fitostimoline^® hydrogel/Fitostimoline^® Plus gauze compared with the saline gauze group was observed.

Conclusions: In a clinical setting, the use of Fitostimoline^® hydrogel/Fitostimoline^® Plus gauze dressing in patients with DFUs significantly improves signs and symptoms of the wound and signs of perilesional skin compared with saline gauze dressing with a similar efficacy in terms of wound healing.