The use of polyacrylate polymer based wound dressing to promote autolytic debridement in wounds of different etiologies: a multi-patient case study

Clinical Statement:  The primary purpose of wound debridement is to reduce or remove necrotic tissue that serves as a pro-inflammatory stimulus and a locus for microorganisms.[1]  These cases show the versatility of a polyacrylate polymer containing, Ringer’s Solution saturated wound dressing* that provides a moist wound environment to help promote autolytic debridement.  Use of this dressing deploys a gentle, continuous autolytic debridement[2]  process. The solution is released into the wound bed while the wound exudate is absorbed, providing an autolytic debriding process that helps remove necrotic tissue and debris while allowing tissue granulation to occur in an optimal, moist wound environment.   This dressing may be appropriate for those wounds that cannot be debrided by sharp debridement methods for any reason.  This case series evaluated the debridement property of this polyacrylate polymer dressing. 

Method: CASE(1) Fournier gangrene of peri-anal region.   Radical sharp debridement  preformed x2, adherent fibrin formed daily making it unrealistic for daily sharp debridement, indicating need for alternative solution.  Polyacrylate dressing implemented (3 weeks), followed by 100% native collagen dressing** through wound closure.  CASE(2)  traumatic ulcer with underlying venous insufficiency.  Polyacrylate dressing utilized under single layer compression (6 weeks) to promote debridement, then transitioned to multilayer compression till closure.  CASE(3) chronic lymphedema patient presented with infected circumferential wound, polyacrylate dressing utilized (6.5 weeks ) under single layer compression to promote debridement.

Results: Polyacrylate dressing use led to satisfactory debridement in all cases, followed by wound resolution with other appropriate dressings.  Polyacrylate dressing was easy to use and effective in multiple clinical settings.  Patient experiences during dressing use concluded no discomfort.  Polyacrylate dressing is a valuable option for providing moist wound environment and promoting autolytic debridement delivering desired results.