A New Multilayer Wound Dressing That Transports Toxic Matrix Metalloproteases From Chronic Wound Fluid Away From the Wound

Objective: The aim of this case series was 2-fold: (1) to study the absorptive profile of a new multilayer wound dressing (MBF; Mepilex Border Flex; Mölnlycke Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden) designed to spread wound fluid away from the wound; and (2) to evaluate how treatment with MBF affects the balance of proteases in venous leg ulcers (VLUs) as they heal. 

Materials and Methods: This was a pilot evaluation involving 10 patients with VLUs treated with MBF and standard compression therapy. All patients had adequate arterial circulation (ankle-brachial index > 0.75) and no signs of infection; all VLUs measured less than 25 cm². There were weekly follow-up visits for wound measurement and clinical evaluation. Wound fluid was obtained at baseline (day 0 prior to initial treatment) and once weekly (from the wound and the wound dressing) for 4 weeks. Homogenates were analyzed using a custom multiplex kit for MMP-9. 

Results: After treatment with MBF, mean MMP-9 levels decreased 46% in 2 weeks (P = .042) and 79% in 4 weeks (P = .029). Significant levels of MMP-9 also were detected in the spreading layer and retention layer of MBF. Further analysis of MBF revealed transport of MMP-9 distally (up to 4 cm) away from the wound. 

Conclusions: The MBF effectively transports chronic VLU exudate away from the wound and into the distal spreading and retention layers with minimal swelling. It also draws the chronic exudate distally and away from the wound and wound margins. 

*This abstract was presented as an Oral Abstract at the 2019 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Fall.

Additional Oral and Poster Abstracts are Available on the Wound Care Learning Network.