Dosing and Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Systematic Review Protocol

Hitchman, Louise

Abstract

Abstract
Background
Effective interventions to improve diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing are urgently required. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has the potential to transform DFU care but is limited by uncertainties around clinical effectiveness and optimal dosing regimen. This protocol outlines the methodology of a systematic review that will address these unknowns.
Methods
Databases and the grey literature will be searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing ESWT plus standard ulcer care to standard ulcer care ± sham ESWT in patients with a DFU. The primary outcome of the review is time to ulcer healing. Two independent reviewers will screen search results against pre-determined eligibility criteria and extract data onto a pre-piloted spreadsheet. A meta-analysis is planned to compare time to healing for ESWT versus standard care and different doses of ESWT. The Risk of Bias 2 and GRADE tool will be used to assess the quality of the evidence.
Outputs, Dissemination, Impact
The review will provide an estimate of the effect ESWT on DFU healing and impact of ESWT dose on DFU healing. The systematic review will be submitted for publication in a peer review journal. A plain English summary will be produced. Outputs from the review will guide patient care and research.

Citation

Hitchman, L. (in press). Dosing and Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing: A Systematic Review Protocol. Journal of Vascular Societies Great Britain and Ireland,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 6, 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 17, 2022
• Publisher: Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4126643