The Utilization of a Nitric Oxide Generating Serum for Improving Vascularity in Wound Healing

Abstract

Introduction: Poor vascularity in injured or operated tissue predisposes the patient to poor healing. Many disease states such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and Raynaud’s Disease exhibit delayed or compromised healing. Post-radiated tissue is another example of poor healing potential. Any surgical wound, local, regional, or free flap reconstruction, can see delayed healing or lack of healing with poor blood supply. Nitric oxide (NO) is an endothelial cell, endogenously produced, free radical gas. It is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. A NO producing serum has recently been developed (Pneuma Nitric Oxide, Austin Texas). This is the first study to examine the potential efficacy of a NO generating serum in the wound healing population. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the potential efficacy of a Nitric oxide generating serum in the wound healing patient population Method: Twenty-five patients were studied in two centers between December 2018 and June 2020. Prior to utilizing NO serum, a double-blind, placebo controlled (glycerin) safety study was performed on 10 patients. There were no allergic or irritation reactions to NO serum in this population. NO serum was applied to non-healing diabetic ulcers, vascular compromised non-healing wounds, surgical incisions, split thickness grafts, full thickness grafts, regional and free flaps. Patients were followed weekly and photographed regularly to monitor healing until total healing was reached. Results: Without exception, the study population showed a more rapid and improved quality of healing in the wounds that were treated with Nitric oxide generating serum as compared to control sites. Rapid reepithelialization, wound contraction, less bruising and edema were commonly seen. Neo-vascularization was more rapid in surgical flap cases. Burn wounds healed dramatically. Conclusion: This study shows the benefits of a Nitric oxide- generating serum in the wound healing patient population. The vasodilatory and capillary recruitment capabilities of Nitric oxide are hypothesized as key factors leading to this improved healing. NO is also paramount in the differentiation and proliferation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. Topically, NO has also been shown in the literature to have strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral roles. NO serum is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of wound healing protocols.