Wound Care Challenges and Opportunities with Elderly Patients

Objective:  To discuss the clinical benefits of a highly absorbent, broad spectrum bacteriostatic foam for use with the aging population who present with multiple co-morbidities and complicated chronic wounds.

The Challenge: The aging population and prevalence of multiple co-morbidities complicate the care of patients with chronic wounds of varying etiologies including DFU, PU, and wounds related to trauma in need of grafting. This scenario is further complicated by the microenvironment of the chronic wound. The influx of multiple wound products currently on the market can be difficult for WOC clinicians to decipher which is best for this population of patients.  With the incorporation of a specialty practice in wound management with advanced and aggressive interventions in place, the necessary wound healing products, appropriate use of resources, and prevention of complications, facilitation of wound closure can be monitored. 

Current Clinical Approach:  A dressing comprised of highly absorbent polyvinyl foam impregnated with Methylene Blue and Gentian Violet* which provides broad spectrum bacteriostatic activity while being compatible with growth factors and chemical debriding agents was utilized in a series of three elderly patients with chronic wounds where conventional therapies had not proven effective. All wounds were highly colonized and due to the chronicity of the wounds and co-morbities of the patients, were assumed at risk of progressing to infection.  

Results:  The use of this innovative dressing was extremely effective in this difficult population with chronic wounds.  The product demonstrated efficacy on a variety of chronic wound etiologies and in conjunction with debriding agents.  Outcomes included established granulation, reduced wound volume and area, decreased epibole, no incidence of infection, improved integrity of periwound tissue, and self report of diminished pain, thereby establishing indication for use of this product with an aging population.