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Evaluation of a Novel Multilayer Wound Dressing That Transports Chronic Wound Fluid Away From the Wound
OBJECTIVE: This series evaluates the absorptive profile of a new multilayer wound dressing (MBF) designed to transfer chronic wound fluid away from the wound and studies how treatment with MBF (along with compression) affects the balance of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), a gelatinase that inhibits the development of extracellular matrix in venous leg ulcers (VLUs).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design is of a case series pilot evaluation involving 10 VLU patients treated with MBF and standard compression therapy. The MBF is a multilayer wound dressing consisting of a silicone wound contact layer, an open-cell foam layer, a spreading layer, an absorbent layer, and a printed backing layer. All patients had adequate arterial circulation (ankle-brachial index > 0.75) and no signs of infection, and all VLUs were < 25 cm2. Follow-up visits were weekly for wound evaluation and wound dressing assessment. Wound fluid from the ulcer was obtained at baseline (week 0 prior to initial treatment) and from both the ulcer and the wound dressing once weekly for 4 weeks. Wound fluid homogenates were analyzed using a custom multiplex kit for MMP-9.
RESULTS: Absorption with MBF is directly related to the degree of counter compression provided by the bandage. The optimal absorptive capacity of MBF under compression is when the wound exudate area on the wound contact side of the dressing is < 60% of the surface area of the contact pad. Wound MMP-9 levels decreased throughout healing. Significant levels of MMP-9 were detected in the spreading layer and in the reservoir (absorbent) layer of the MBF, but none was detected in the wound contact or foam layer. Matrix metallopeptidase 9 also was detected distally at the leading edge (up to 5 cm) away from the wound.
CONCLUSIONS: The MBF effectively transports chronic VLU exudate away from the wound and into the distal spreading and absorptive layers with minimal swelling. The MBF also transfers the chronic exudate outwards and away from the wound and wound margins. For use in VLU with compression, optimal absorption capacity is dependent on size selection of the dressing.
CITATION
Alvarez OM. Evaluation of a novel multilayer wound dressing that transports chronic wound fluid away from the wound. Poster presented at: Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall; November 2-4, 2018; Las Vegas, NV.
Product: Mepilex Border Flex, Mölnlycke Health Care (Norcross, GA)
This abstract was not subject to the WOUNDS peer-review process.
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