The use of a negatively charged fiber based dressing*, on a cross section of patients in a busy wound center

Introduction: Desloughing and cleansing of wounds is a critical step on the pathway to healing of chronic wounds.  While systemic factors can be variable and not controllable, it behooves the wound care clinician to exert as much local control as possible for the wound.  A new dressing technology* that is meant to support the debridement of slough in wounds, was evaluated in our busy wound center. We report an all-comers study using this new technology. The negative charges in this dressing, helps with slough removal, particularly when the slough has been treated with a low pH cleanser such as hypochlorous acid cleansers.Methods:We studied a newly launched product that uses negatively charged fibers on a variety of wounds in 23 patients.  We monitored wound size, wound condition, and followed the instructions of use as made available in the packaging.  We presoaked all wounds with a pure hypochlorous acid solution**Results:Of 23 patients, the wound types ranged from venous, diabetic, spider bites, surgical/cancer excision, pressure injuries. Unusually, we had a number of venous ulcers with pyoderma gangrenosum complications.  We found that one patient could not tolerate the dressing due to likely silver intolerance, the majority of other users saw wound desloughing (cleansing) improvement.  The average use per week was 2-3 dressings, and it could be successfully used under compression. Comfort levels were generally high with some exceptions. Tabulated results will be presented for every patientDiscussion: We have decided to stock this product in our wound center given our evaluation which we deem as a success.  We believe this dressing has the capability to continuously deslough the wound when used regularly. We will continue to find uses of this product in all wound types over time and report results under real life conditions. The dressing is supported by Randomized Controlled Trials, however, we believe such real life data is of additional relevance to new users as it gives personal accounts of tolerance which plays a big role in compliance of dressing management.References:1. Desroche N, et al. Antibacterial properties and reduction of MRSA biofilm with a dressing combining poly-absorbent fibres and a silver matrix. J Wound Care. 2016 Oct;25(10):577-84. 2. Percival SL. Restoring balance: biofilms and wound dressings. J Wound Care. 2018 Feb;27(2): 102-13 3. Desroche N, et al. Evaluation of in vitro anti-biofilm activities of two dressings with poly-absorbent dressing fibres and a DACC coated dressing. Poster EWMA 2017 4. Meaume, S., Dissemond, J., Addala, A. Evaluation of two fibrous wound dressings for the management of leg ulcers: results of a European randomised controlled trial (EARTH RCT). J Wound Care 2014; 23: 3, 105–116. 5. N. Desroche et al, Evaluation of the anti-biofilm activity of a new poly-absorbent dressing with a silver matrix*using a complex in vitro biofilm model. Poster Wounds UK 2017. 6. Lazareth I, et al. The role of a silver releasing lipido-colloid contact layer in venous leg ulcers presenting inflammatory signs suggesting heavy bacterial colonization: Results of a randomized controlled study. Wounds. 2008;20(6):158–66 7. Dalac S., Sigal L., Addala A., et al Clinical evaluation of a dressing with poly absorbent fibres and a silver matrix for managing chronic wounds at risk of infection: a non-comparative trial. J Wound Care, Vol 25, No 9, September 2016