Objective:

2

To investigate the clinical effects of thread-dragging therapy on gangrene of non-ischemic diabetic foot ulcers (NIDFU).

Methods:

2

A total of 136 patients with NIDFU were recruited from the Department of Peripheral Vascular Surgery

Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 21

2021 and February 1

2023

and randomized into an intervention group and a control group

with 68 cases in each group. Both groups received basic treatment. The intervention group was treated with thread-dragging therapy

while the control group was treated with debridement combined with routine dressing changes after surgery. Both groups were treated continuously for 2 months. The amputation rates and changes in the ulcer area were compared between the groups. The inflammatory response index including peripheral white blood cells (WBCs)

neutrophil percentage (NEUT%)

C-reactive protein (CRP)

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

procalcitonin (PCT)

and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups.

Results:

2

After treatment

the ulcer areas in the intervention group were significantly smaller than that of the control group (8.50±3.88 cm

2

vs

. 10.11±4.61 cm

2

P

<

0.05). The amputation rates of the two groups were not statistically significant (4.4%

vs

. 5.9%

P

>

0.05). Differences of WBCs count

CRP

and ESR before and after therapy in the intervention group were better than the control group (

P

<

0.05). However

there were no significant differences in changes of NEUT%

PCT

and IL-6 between the two groups (

P

>

0.05).

Conclusion:

2

Thread-dragging therapy may be effective in the treatment of NIDFU

with the additional advantages of less tissue damage after healing. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2100047496)