Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are challenging to treat with complicated healing processes and require advanced wound care. Piscean collagen has the potential to promote the regenerative process while remaining cost-effective and with minimal side effects. In this study, the efficacy of a piscean collagen matrix dressing was compared with a standard dressing of saline-moistened gauze for wound healing in patients with neuropathic DFU.

This is a double-blinded, randomised clinical trial.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are challenging to treat with complicated healing processes and require advanced wound care. Piscean collagen has the potential to promote the regenerative process while remaining cost-effective and with minimal side effects. In this study, the efficacy of a piscean collagen matrix dressing was compared with a standard dressing of saline-moistened gauze for wound healing in patients with neuropathic DFU.

This is a double-blinded, randomised clinical trial. After conventional therapy consisting of debridement, infection control and offloading, patients were randomly allocated to receive either a piscean matrix dressing (the study group) or a saline-moistened gauze dressing (control group) for wound care. The reduction in DFU size and the number of patients with complete healing were measured throughout the treatment and in follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with neuropathic DFUs at Grades I or II for a period of at least 12 weeks, based on the Wagner classification;
• be able to understand simple instructions and provided voluntary, signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• active infection which might lead to hospitalisation, gangrene,
• systemic inflammatory or autoimmune disease
• renal failure
• presence of ischaemia or osteomyelitis

Data can be provided upon reasonable request

Patients were randomized, all boxes of dressings were opened and healthcare professional applying the dressing and assessing the wound was unaware of what treatment is being given.