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Vacuum-assisted closure treatment complicated by anasarca
Tal Friedman1, Melvyn Westreich, Avshalom Shalom
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel. mony@netvision.net.il
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|September 28, 2005
Summary
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is effective for wounds, but can cause rare anasarca from hypoalbuminemia. Monitor electrolytes and proteins in patients with significant wound drainage during negative-pressure therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Wound Care
- Clinical Complications
Background:
- Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a widely used negative-pressure wound therapy.
- It is generally considered safe and effective for various wound types.
- Patients with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk for complications.
Observation:
- A rare case of anasarca (generalized edema) developed during VAC therapy.
- The complication was attributed to hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels in the blood).
- The patient had clinically stable congestive heart failure but no prior history of hypoalbuminemia.
Findings:
- Hypoalbuminemia and subsequent anasarca can be a rare complication of negative-pressure wound therapy.
- Marked wound drainage in compromised patients may lead to significant protein loss.
- This case highlights a potential risk associated with VAC therapy in specific patient populations.
Implications:
- Careful monitoring of serum electrolytes and protein levels is crucial in patients undergoing VAC therapy.
- Patients with significant wound drainage and underlying conditions like heart failure require vigilant management.
- This emphasizes the importance of individualized patient assessment and monitoring during advanced wound care treatments.