Collagen matrix wound dressings and the treatment of DFUs

Abstract

Objective: To obtain clinical evidence on the use of a collagen wound dressing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Method: A convenience sample of patients managed in the podiatry outpatient clinic over an 8-month period were included in the evaluation, if their DFUs were not progressing. All participants received traditional adjunctive wound care as part of their treatment. Wound surface-area measurements and imaging of patients was carried out on a regular basis to allow the tracking of wound healing. Results: Six patients, with seven wounds were included in this study. There was an overall decrease in wound surface area over time. Three patients showed a relatively swift reduction in wound area, while one patient showed a slight increase in wound area. The percentage decrease in wound area levelled out quite quickly in three patients, with a mean wound duration of 14 months compared with 7.3 months in the remaining four wounds. One patient died of an unrelated cause. Conclusion: This case series evaluation provides a snapshot of experience at one clinical centre and the treatment of DFUs, and suggests that an active biological collagen dressing may support progression to healing by modulating the wound environment. Declaration of interest: S. Haycocks and P. Chadwick received supplies of ProHeal from MedSkin Solutions Dr Suwelack for use on patients in this evaluation. K.F. Cutting is a consultant to MedSkin Solutions Dr Suwelack and received a honorarium for his participation. MedSkin Solutions Dr Suwelack did not have any editorial control over the production of this manuscript.