Topical therapies for diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Pooled result · Wound healing rateResult — go to the resultOdds ratio 7.85 95% CrI 4.62–14.15Authors' conclusion
Placenta-derived products and other biological or advanced topical therapies may demonstrate greater efficacy than the SOC in facilitating the healing of DFUs. Nevertheless, the certainty of evidence for most comparisons remains in the low-to-moderate range. These findings suggest potential benefits in integrating these therapies into the management of DFUs. However, high-quality RCTs are necessary to verify long-term outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFUs) in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of topical therapies (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL to February 1, 2025); 23 interventions
- Participants
- 6,161 patients51 RCTs
- Comparison
- Topical therapies vs standard of care (SOC)
- Outcome
- Wound healing rate
Methodological detailsBayesian network meta-analysis
- Bayesian network meta-analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Odds ratio
7.85
95% CrI 4.62–14.15
Placenta-derived productsvs SOC
OR 7.85 (95% CrI 4.62–14.15)
Further pooled results
Time to wound healing
- No intervention differed significantly from SOC
Safety
| Outcome | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Adverse eventsOnly intervention to significantly reduce AEs vs SOC · CrI | 0.25 (95% CrI 0.10–0.60) |
Serious adverse events and infections
- No intervention differed significantly from SOC
Original publication
Topical therapies for diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. Published 21 May 2026. doi:10.
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