Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

Objective: This capstone project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acellular fish skin grafts and human amniotic membrane allografts as adjuncts to standard care in managing diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Keywords included “acellular fish skin,” “human amniotic allograft,” and “diabetic ulcer.” Articles published from 2019 onward were included if they focused on adult patients (18+) with diabetic foot ulcers and reported healing outcomes. Studies were excluded if they involved pediatric populations, lacked a diabetes or foot ulcer diagnosis, were published before 2019, or did not assess healing metrics.

Results: Both acellular fish skin and human amniotic membrane allografts significantly improved complete wound healing rates, reduced time to closure, and decreased wound surface area compared to standard of care alone. Adverse event rates were comparable to standard care, with no additional risks observed. While both treatments have higher initial costs, improved outcomes within one year make them more cost-effective long-term. Cost-effectiveness comparisons between the two were inconclusive due to mixed findings across studies.

Conclusion: Both advanced grafting options were effective in treating diabetic foot ulcers, enhancing healing without increasing complications. However, small sample sizes, variability in study design, and limited diversity limit generalizability. Neither treatment demonstrated clear superiority. Selection should be based on individual patient needs and preferences. Further large-scale, diverse clinical trials are recommended to validate and expand current evidence.

Key Words: diabetic foot ulcer, acellular fish skin, human amniotic allograft, wound healing, graft therapy, cost-effectiveness.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Allison Betts has an anticipated graduation date of July 2025 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. Her favorite clinical rotation in PA school was dermatology because she had the opportunity to perform procedures. She plans on working in dermatology or women’s health after graduation. Allison was inspired to research the topic of “Advanced Grafting Options for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management” because of her interest in dermatology.

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