Can Umbilical Cord Tissue Help Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Qatar?
For many people living with diabetes in Qatar, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious and costly complication. A growing body of evidence suggests that umbilical cord tissue grafts—specifically a product known as EpiCord—may support faster, safer healing for chronic, non-healing DFUs.
In line with our commitment to evidence-based information at
Future Health Biobank, we’re summarising a recent clinical study evaluating EpiCord as a wound-healing option for DFUs. (Reference link preserved below.)
What is EpiCord?
EpiCord is a thick membrane derived from umbilical cord tissue. The tissue naturally contains healing-supportive compounds—such as collagen, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid—that provide a biologically active scaffold to encourage tissue repair in difficult-to-heal wounds like DFUs.
The Study at a Glance
- Design: EpiCord (dehydrated umbilical cord allograft) was compared with standard alginate dressings for chronic DFUs.
- Participants: 155 adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and a DFU, enrolled across 11 US centres.
- Timeline: 18 weeks total (12-week treatment + 4-week follow-up) between August 2016 and March 2018.
- Treatment: Weekly EpiCord applications (n=101) vs. standard alginate dressings (n=54), alongside regular wound cleaning and monitoring.
Key Results
- Complete healing at 12 weeks: 70% with EpiCord vs. 48% with alginate dressings.
- With adequate debridement: 96% of EpiCord-treated ulcers healed completely vs. 48% in the alginate group.
- Safety: No adverse side effects were reported for EpiCord during the study.
These findings indicate that umbilical cord-derived products like EpiCord can be a safe and effective option for non-healing DFUs. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why This Matters for Patients in Qatar
DFUs often lead to extended clinic visits, infection risk, and—if unmanaged—amputation. Access to advanced wound-care options can improve outcomes and reduce overall healthcare burden. While treatment availability and care pathways vary by clinic, the evidence above suggests that umbilical cord tissue allografts could complement standard DFU care in Qatar when used by qualified healthcare teams.
What to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider
- Whether your DFU is suitable for biologic grafts like EpiCord.
- How debridement (removal of damaged tissue) is performed as part of your care plan.
- Expected number of applications, dressing changes, and follow-up visits.
- How advanced therapies fit alongside offloading, infection control, and glycaemic management.
Trusted Source
Study reference (as cited in the original article):
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
About Future Health Biobank
Future Health Biobank supports families across the region with umbilical cord blood and tissue banking services. To learn how cord tissue is collected, processed, and stored for potential future use, visit
our homepage or contact our team.
Important Note
This article is for information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or a specialist wound-care clinic in Qatar to determine the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
