Borate-Based Bioactive Glass Matrix Helps Reduce Treatment Costs for Hard-to-Heal Wounds

Introduction: A borate-based bioactive glass matrix (BBBGM)* has demonstrated promise in healing hard-to-heal wounds,1–3 potentially reducing treatment costs. We compare dressing treatment costs prior to BBBGM vs. during BBBGM therapy, based on clinical outcomes of 4 wounds treated with BBBGM after numerous failed prior treatment modalities.Methods:Three patients with 4 wounds were treated. Wound types were: diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) (n=3) and venous leg ulcer (VLU) (n=1). Patients received appropriate standard-of-care products/therapies in a tertiary wound care center for at least one year prior to BBBGM. Therapy was switched to BBBGM upon presentation to the clinic. Costs prior to BBBGM were estimated and compared to costs during BBBGM therapy. Estimates were based on top tier pricing for a large integrated delivery network. Costs prior to BBBGM comprised dressings and debridement costs, and not skin graft or cellular and tissue-based product costs, even if used prior to BBBGM. Dressing types included in the estimate were silver alginate and gelling fiber, absorbent, and collagen. Costs during BBBGM therapy comprised the matrix and absorbent dressing, plus collagen dressings used between final BBBGM application and wound closure. Wound debridement was performed as needed prior to BBBGM use, but not after BBBGM was initiated; therefore, debridement was not included in BBBGM cost estimates. Estimates did not consider hospitalization, antibiotics, or pain medication costs, or reimbursement rates.Results:Patient 1 was a 60-year-old female with two 8-year-old DFUs. Cost prior to BBBGM was $89,568. Cost during BBBGM therapy was $18,113, an 80% decrease from the cost prior to BBBGM. The first DFU closed after 9 BBBGM applications over 15 weeks; the second closed after 13 BBBGM applications over 20 weeks. Patient 2 was a 68-year-old male with a 1.5-year-old DFU. Cost prior to BBBGM was $19,080. Cost during BBBGM therapy was $9,506, a 50% decrease. The DFU closed after 7 BBBGM applications over 7 weeks. Patient 3 was a 39-year-old female with a 1-year-old VLU. Cost prior to BBBGM was $10,816. Cost during BBBGM therapy was $5,432, a 50% decrease. The VLU closed after 4 BBBGM applications over 11 weeksDiscussion: By facilitating healing of hard-to-heal wounds, BBBGM reduced costs compared to prior treatment modalities. Patients reported reduced pain and improved quality of life during BBBGM therapy.References: