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

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.