The Use of a Novel Desiccating Agent as an Adjuvant Therapy to Surgical Debridement in the Infected Diabetic Foot: A Case Series

A common complication of diabetes, diabetic foot infections, can lead to devastating complications. Early antibiotic and surgical treatment are key to preserving the affected limb. Emergent surgical intervention is the mainstay of therapy; however, despite aggressive surgical debridement, some patients still go onto lower extremity amputation. Amputation in diabetics has a prognosis worse than the most common cancers. The need for advanced therapies in the treatment of the infected diabetic foot remains an unmet need. This case series reviewed the use of a novel Topical Desiccating Agent (TDA), containing methanesulfonic acid, in combination with surgical debridement and antibiotics in the treatment of severe diabetic foot infections. Research suggests that the addition of a TDA facilitates debridement and disrupts both planktonic and biofilm-based bacteria promoting healing and decreasing the time to definitive reconstruction. A total of eleven patients were treated with the novel TDA. It was applied in the operating room at the time of the initial surgical intervention. Two cases are presented in detail. Overall, there appeared to be a more complete debridement and more rapid time to grafting with the addition of the desiccant. Further research into the role of TDAs in the treatment of the infected diabetic foot is warranted.