Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcers With Atorvastatin

Summary

Lower limb complications are a substantial matter in the diabetic population and studies show that the annual incidence of foot ulcers ranges from 1.0-4.1% while the cumulative lifetime incidence is approximately 15%. Foot ulcers may become complicated by infection or gangrene, and ultimately result in amputation. In addition, foot ulcers have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers has not made substantial progress in recent years with regards to improved healing although there have been several actions taken to update the process. The current practice consists of wound debridement, treatment of underlying infections and pressure relief. This trial investigates the adjunctive effects of high (80 mg) or low (10 mg) dose atorvastatin to conventional treatment on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.

Timeline

Start

2005-02

Primary completion

2007-03

Completion

2007-03

Publications

• Results Johansen OE, Birkeland KI, Jorgensen AP, Orvik E, Sorgard B, Torjussen BR, Ueland T, Aukrust P, Gullestad L. Diabetic foot ulcer burden may be modified by high-dose atorvastatin: A 6-month randomized controlled pilot trial. J Diabetes. 2009 Sep;1(3):182-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-0407.2009.00031.x. Epub 2009 Jun 2.

Drugs

Indications