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Case Study
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Evaluating the use of a wound balancing matrix* in patients from an outpatient wound clinic Lise G. Goettl,RN, BScN, David. H. Keast. MSc, MD, FCFP Managing and treating chronic wounds is a challenging undertaking for wound care clinicians. Using a wound balancing matrix* containing oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), collagen, and silver-ORC is warranted in chronic wounds free of dry necrotic tissue because it binds and inactivates excess proteases, protects growth factors from degradation, and provides antimicrobial protection which may delay healing Purpose: To determine patients' response to a new wound balancing matrix*, ease of use by the clinician, and assess wound characteristics during a two week period Method: Five subjects consented to participate in the product evaluation. Three patients had venous leg ulcers with an average duration of 14 months. One patient had a recurring diabetic foot ulcer on the plantar surface, which had reopened in the previous month, and the last patient had a pressure ulcer on the lateral heel, which had been present 24months. Each of the patients made 7 visits to the wound clinic. Debridement occurred at the initial visit. Wound photos, tracings, analog pain scores and Photographic Wound Assessment Tool (PWAT) scores were obtained at all visits. The product was applied to the wound bed of each patient at visits 2 through 6. Results: The product caused no pain in 3/5 patients. The dressing was well tolerated by all subjects. Wound surface areas decreased in 3/5 subjects, and PWAT scores decreased in 4/5 subjects. The product was found to be easy to use and apply Conclusion: Although there were only five subjects an improvement in most of these chronic wounds was experienced. Considering the ease of use and acceptability of this product by all patients, further research is warranted over a longer trial period Acknowledgments: Johnson & Johnson Wound Management, Markham, Ontario..*Prismaª Wound balancing Matrix, Johnson & Johnson Wound Management |
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