Simple Solutions for Rapid Healing of Pressure Injuries

Background: Education, prevention and early interventions have failed to solve the challenge of pressure injuries worldwide. Wounds caused by pressure are commonly seen with patients who have limited mobility, incontinence, poor nutrition and/or limited sensation. Attention to pressure injuries has led to improvements but the worldwide prevalence rate for acute care remains between 6% and 18.5%. Prolonged hospital stays and more compromised patients are especially at risk. The cost of managing one pressure injury can reach $70,000. Treatments, cost and efficacy vary widely.

Objective: This study evaluates the benefit of a simple, low-cost treatment using a modified collagen/ glycerine gel (MCG) and a sodium polyacrylate powder (SPP) added to the standard of care.

Methods: Ten patients with Stage 2-4 pressure injuries (Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance Classification) were treated in a Malaysia Hospital. Protocols included the Pressure Injury Prevention Skin Bundle (PIPSB 2016 2nd Ed) and comprehensive ongoing assessment and pressure redistribution with scheduled repositioning and specialty mattresses. Pressure injuries are often chronic with significant exudate. Dressings need to maintain moist healing, manage exudate, and avoid any additional pressure. After cleansing, 3g SPP powder was mixed with 30 cc of sterile water, MCG was added and the combination was applied to the wound bed.

Results: The synergy between these two products, reestablished the inflammatory phase, autolytically debrided, controlled exudate and prompted granulation formation. Objective assessment with wound measurements verified the healing rate.

Conclusion: In conclusion, patients had less pain and the cost was less than traditional modalities. Patients healed rapidly and were able to be discharged to an outpatient setting where this treatment was continued.