Clinical research on the bio-debridement effect of maggot therapy for treatment of chronically infected lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the bio-debridement effect of maggot therapy for treating chronically infected lesions.


METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted of 25 patients with diabetic foot ulcers and 18 patients with pressure ulcers after spinal cord injury treated by maggot therapy or traditional dressing. Changes in the lesions were observed and bacterial cultures tested.


RESULTS
All ulcers healed completely. The times taken to achieve bacterial negativity, granulation and healing of lesions were all significantly shorter in the maggot therapy group than in the control group, both for diabetic foot ulcers (P < 0.05) and pressure ulcers (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Maggot therapy is a safe and effective method for treating chronically infected lesions.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Shou-yu
SY
Wang
Jiang-ning
JN
Wang
De-cheng
DC
Lv
Yun-peng
YP
Diao
Zhen
Z
Zhang
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004175:Diptera; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*