Failure rates of artificial dermis products in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a frequent complication in diabetic patients, occurring in up to 25% of those affected. Among the treatments available to clinicians, the use of bioengineered skin substitutes is an attractive alternative. Artificial dermis functions as a matrix, covering the wound and supporting healing and reconstruction of the lost tissue. This study was aimed at reviewing the use of five regeneration matrices (namely, Integra, Nevelia, Matriderm, Pelnac, and Renoskin) as reported by clinical trials. We searched Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant studies. Risk of failure rates was analysed by relative risk ratio method and complete ulcer healing was studied using network meta‐analysis. Thirteen studies (12 randomized clinical trials and one cohort study) were eligible for analysis. The network meta‐analysis based on a single study for Matriderm and 12 studies for other products showed that Matriderm was statistically inferior in achieving complete ulcer healing, as compared to all other products combined. In the second phase analysis, which was limited to three studies using artificial dermis products, there was a 57% reduction in the risk of reepithelialization failure for DFU patients who used Matriderm or Pelnac, compared to those who used Pelnac with basic fibroblast growth factor spray or skin grafting. The data showed an overall low failure rate suggesting that these bioengineered skin products provide a suitable support and microenvironment for healing of DFUs with low ulcer recurrence rates. This systematic review with meta‐analysis highlights the pressing need for more studies investigating the safety, efficacy and failure rates of regeneration matrices in the treatment of DFUs.