Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic and complex wounds are often recalcitrant to treatment, regardless of etiology. These wounds are a burden to both the patient and the health care system. Advanced treatment options are needed to improve patient outcomes. An SHSFM has shown positive results in the management of complex and chronic wounds.
Objective: In this retrospective case series, patients with chronic and complex wounds of various etiologies were treated with the SHSFM to assess its utility in the management of these wound types.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the charts of 18 patients with a total of 28 wounds was conducted. Healing was monitored at follow-up visits, and the SHSFM was reapplied as clinically indicated.
Results: The average patient age was 59 years, and average initial wound surface area was 43.4 cm2. Wound types included ulcers, surgical and traumatic wounds, necrotic infections, and others. Complete healing was achieved in 89% of wounds. The average time to healing was 196 days ± 146.7 standard deviation, and the number of applications per wound ranged from 1 to 11.
Conclusions: This case series demonstrates the unique versatility of the SHSFM in achieving appropriate clinical outcomes depending on wound and patient factors.
Introduction
Complex wounds have various etiologies, including disease, infection, and trauma. The term complex wounds is associated with wounds that are chronic or that occur in patients with compromised vascularity or other comorbidities that negatively affect wound healing.[1] Patients with chronic or complex wounds often experience reduced mobility and social isolation, which negatively affect their quality of life.[2] The cost of caring for these wounds in the United States is estimated to be over $28 billion annually.[3] With an aging population, increasing rates of diabetes and obesity, and approximately 40 million to 50 million major surgeries performed each year in the United States, it is vital to find novel solutions to manage wounds that arise as a result of these factors.[4,5]
Use of SHSFM is gaining popularity in the management of complex and chronic wounds. The matrix is engineered to mimic the structure and size of native human extracellular matrix, which allows for cellular infiltration while resorbing via hydrolysis at the rate of tissue ingrowth and reepithelialization.[6] The synthetic nature of the matrix allows for excellent biocompatibility and reduces the risk of inflammation and infection associated with the use of biologic materials.[6,7]
Prior studies have shown positive results with the SHSFM, with wound healing rates between 75% and 85% in venous leg ulcers, DFUs, and other lower extremity wounds at 12-week follow-up.[8,9] The current retrospective case series assessed the efficacy of the SHSFM in the management of complex wounds of various etiologies in patients with various comorbidities.
Wounds. 2023;35(6):E197-E202. © 2023 HMP Communications, LLC
