Assessing Treatment Efficacy in Pressure Ulcers in a Real-World Post-Acute Population: Human Keratin Matrix Versus Standard of Care: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis

Introduction: Pressure ulcers cause severe complications that significantly impact healthcare systems and patient quality of life, often leading to hospitalization and death. Traditional Standard of Care (SOC) treatments are inadequate for many patients, necessitating advanced wound care products (AWCPs), like Human Keratin Matrix (HKM). This study conducts a retrospective analysis to compare the effectiveness of HKM and SOC in managing full thickness chronic pressure ulcers. Methods: The study collected retrospective observational data from electronic health records (EHRs) of patients with Stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers in nursing homes, who failed initial SOC treatment, and who were treated by a leading mobile wound care practice. The study covered 180 days post-treatment. Subjects treated with HKM were selected, and they were matched to SOC patients in the same database using Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM). Patients were categorized into two cohorts based on whether they received HKM or SOC The key metrics were wound closure rate and expected Percent Area Reduction (xPAR). The analysis employed Bayesian regression and Hurdle Gamma Analysis of Variance (ANCOVA) models.Results:Results indicated that HKM resulted in more than double the wound closure rate (risk ratio 2.3) versus SOC. xPAR trended higher in the SOC group. However, despite the effects of matching the SOC group generally began at a lower stage of pressure ulcer injury. Discussion: The findings suggest that Progenamatrix is an effective addition to SOC in treating pressure ulcers in this extremely difficult-to-heal population, resulting in a marked increase in total wound healing rate.References: