Transforming powder dressing for lower extremity wounds in patients with diabetes: a multinational case series.

Abstract

Background: Chronic lower extremity wounds in patients with diabetes are a significant clinical and economic burden. Traditional dressings have poor healing rates and require frequent changes, burdening patients and caregivers.

Objective: To evaluate if transforming powder dressing (TPD), a hydrophilic polymer powder that forms a moisture-retentive gel conforming to the wound surface, can address these limitations, as clinical data remain limited.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, multinational case series evaluated TPD in 17 patients with diabetic lower extremity wounds across Egypt, India, the United Arab Emirates, and the Palestinian territories. Wound types included diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), venous ulcers, and postamputation wounds. For all patients, previous standard of care efforts had failed.

Results: TPD was associated with consistent wound size reduction (mean [standard deviation (SD)] 80% [10%]), granulation tissue formation, and pain relief. DFUs and non-DFUs showed comparable outcomes, with no significant differences in healing time (7.1 weeks and 5.9 weeks, respectively; P = .39). Dressings were changed every 5 to 10 days, and no complications were reported.

Conclusion: TPD appears to be a safe, well-tolerated, and effective adjunct for managing diabetic lower extremity wounds. Its ability to promote healing while reducing pain and dressing frequency offers clinical and logistical benefits. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and guide treatment protocols.