(PI-010) Shockwaves and active dressings in the management of biofilm: preliminary results
Co-Author(s):
Gabriela Barrionuevo Moreno, Geriatrician – Head Nurse, Geriatrics - Long Term Care, "Sacra Famiglia" Korian Nursing Home; Lorella Bettaglio, Geriatrician – Social Health Operator, Geriatrics - Long Term Care, "Sacra Famiglia" Korian Nursing Home; Irena Cela, Geriatrician – Social Health Operator, Geriatrics - Long Term Care, "Sacra Famiglia" Korian Nursing Home; Cristina Galuzzi, Geriatrician – MD, Geriatrics - Long Term Care, "Sacra Famiglia" Korian Nursing Home; Agnieszka Kopniak, Geriatrician – Head Nurse, Geriatrics - Long Term Care, "Heliopolis" Korian Nursing Home; Federica Maggi, Geriatrician – Social Health Operator, Geriatrics - Long Term Care, "Sacra Famiglia" Korian Nursing Home
Introduction: The interactions between the skin microbiota and the multiple cell types involved in wound healing regulate the immune response and promote the restoration of the protective skin barrier. In chronic lesions this interaction is deregulated. With this work we want to demonstrate the ability of Extracorporeal ShockWaves Therapy (ESWT), to restore the correct interaction between microbiota and skin lesions, actively contributing to the demolition of the biofilm, if combined with interactive dressings.
Methods: The study is still ongoing. We have currently treated with ESWT* 10 patients with biofilmed chronic wounds (certified by specific test for detection of metalloproteases - MMPs); the final target will be 15 patients, divided into 3 groups with this protocol: Group A, ESWT and advanced dressings; Group B, ESWT and Topical AminoAcids in cream formulation ** and moist gauzes; Group C, ESWT and Stable Ozonides in spray and impregnated gauzes formulations ***. The treatment lasts 4 weeks and includes 2 treatments/dressings per week. The Wound Area Reduction (WAR) and the presence/absence of biofilm, by repeating specific test, are evaluated.
Results: All the lesions had good area reduction and clinical improvement, but 4 out of 10 (40%) still showed the presence of biofilm (positivity to MMPs test). The most significant data is that all cases of positivity to MMPs belong to Group A, while all cases of the groups that used interactive treatments (AminoAcids and Ozonides) were negative. Wound Area Reduction was also more evident in groups B and C: Group A 61.4%, Group B 80.6% and Group C 82.3%.
Discussion: All the lesions had good area reduction and clinical improvement, but 4 out of 10 (40%) still showed the presence of biofilm (positivity to MMPs test). The most significant data is that all cases of positivity to MMPs belong to Group A, while all cases of the groups that used interactive treatments (AminoAcids and Ozonides) were negative. Wound Area Reduction was also more evident in groups B and C: Group A 61.4%, Group B 80.6% and Group C 82.3%.
Trademarked Items: * dermaPACE - SANUWAVE® Health Inc, Suwanee (GA) **Vulnamin Cream - Professional Dietetics, Milan (Italy) ***Rigenoma Spray/Gauzes - Erbagil, Telese Terme (Italy)