Mariana de San Juan Licona Aguilar
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico
Title: Comparative pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a gel of extracts of Lucilia sericata maggots compared to the use of free larvae of the same species to debride and heal diabetic foot ulcers
Biography
Biography: Mariana de San Juan Licona Aguilar
Abstract
Maggot-therapy (MT) has been known for centuries to aid in the healing of wounds,venous ulcers, and diabetic ulcers.It is the intentional application of aseptic fly larvae that causes benign myiasis in wounds.The proposed mechanisms of action involving the production of lytic enzymes are carboxypeptidases A and B or leucine aminopeptidase collagenase;by mechanical action by movement of the larvae in the necrotic tissue;production of antiseptic substances as phenylacetaldehyde and antibacterial substances(as a type of defense mechanism).MT promotes rapid debridement with little loss of healthy tissue,removal of pathogens,is economical,and helps with healing through granulation tissue formation.It is necessary to compare MT with a less invasive method for a patient,which might be substantially easier. Methodology: Was conducted a longitudinal prospective comparative clinical study with blind evaluation to compare the efficacy of a gel of extracts from Lucilia sericata fly larvae comparing MT using conventional free larvae of the same species in patients of both sexes with a diagnosis of diabetic foot Stages A and B.We used compounds randomized by groups formed by 2 patients to be treated with conventional MT and 2 patients with the gel of extracts of maggot (GLS) for a period of two months -with periodic evaluation visits.The percentage of debridement and granulation tissue formation using methods of descriptive statistics and stockings dispersion was evaluated. Results: A greater percentage of debridement and granulation tissue formation was found in the group treated with MT.The application of GLS was better accepted by the patient,suggesting that both methods could be used together to treat diabetic foot ulcers.