Adjuvant effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A case series

J Biophotonics. 2024 Apr;17(4):e202300412. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202300412. Epub 2024 Jan 22.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution of patients with diabetic foot ulcer treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the Bates-Jensen (BJ) scale. A total of 21 patients were monitored, with an average age of 58 years. Patients underwent the standard treatment protocol of the institution, supplemented with aPDT utilizing 0.01% methylene blue (MB) and laser irradiation (660 nm, 100 mW, 6 J per point). Following aPDT, the lesions were protected with hydrofiber dressings containing silver. The Bates-Jensen Scale was employed at pre-treatment and post-aPDT sessions to assess lesion progression. The results demonstrated a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment values in the overall BJ score. The use of MB in aPDT proved to be an effective, safe, well-tolerated treatment with high patient adherence and the potential for implementation in the care of diabetic foot conditions.

Keywords: Bates‐Jensen; antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; diabetic foot; healing; wound.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Methylene Blue / pharmacology
  • Methylene Blue / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy* / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Methylene Blue