The Use of a Novel Hyaluronic Acid Dressing in the Management of Difficult Chronic Wounds

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an essential “building block” of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, HA plays an integral role in ECM dynamic reciprocity¹ and cell surface receptor communications.² Historically, hyaluronic acid dressings had the limitation of brisk degradation making practical clinical application challenging. Esterification has mitigated these issues so the 3-D scaffold can facilitate reconstruction of dermal tissue,³ giving clinicians a new management option.

 

Project description: A novel HA based matrix dressing* was applied per manufacturer’s recommendations in a post-marketing product evaluation in a variety of wound types. Wounds which were selected typically had minimal (less than 40% wound surface area in 4 weeks) response to modern wound care dressings and good wound care practices (successful completion of wound bed preparation and treatment of underlying disease processes). Evaluation of clinical outcomes included wound surface area measurements. Clinical experiences with this multi-patient evaluation are reported and practical tips for use are discussed.

Conclusions: Patients reported improved satisfaction with the use of hyaluronic acid based matrix. Wound surface area and frequency of dressing changes in all patients were positively impacted.  This evaluation supported the findings of a published systematic review and meta-analysis of HA derivatives. ⁴ The formulation of this HA-based matrix dressing is an option for use in the recalcitrant wound. Comparative effectiveness studies are warranted.

*Hyalomatrix™, Medline Industries, Mundelein, Illinois.