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The use of MolecuLight i:X device in acute hand trauma
Bryan J W Chew1, Michelle Griffin1, Peter E Butler1
1Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Early diagnosis of wound infections are crucial as they have been shown to increase patient morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the use of Moleculight i:X to identify infections in acute open wounds in hand trauma. Data were collected from patients who attended the hand trauma unit over a 4 week period prior to having surgery. Wounds were inspected for clinical signs of infection and autofluorescence images were taken using the Moleculight i:X device. Wound swabs were taken and results interpreted according to report by microbiologist. Autofluorescence images were interpreted by a clinician blinded to the microbiology results. 31 patients were included and data collected from 35 wounds. 3 wounds (8.6%) showed positive clinical signs of infection, 3 (8.6%) were positive on autofluorescence imaging and 2 (5.7%) of wound swab samples were positive for significant infection. Autofluorescence imaging correlated with clinical signs and wound swab results for 34 wounds (97.1%). In one case, the clinical assessment and autofluorescence imaging showed positive signs of infection but the wound swabs were negative. Autofluorescence imaging in acute open wounds may be useful to provide real-time confirmation of bacterial infection and therefore guide management.
Insights
Early detection of wound infections is vital. Moleculight i:X autofluorescence imaging shows promise for identifying bacterial infections in acute open wounds, aiding timely management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Biophotonics
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Early diagnosis of wound infections is critical to reduce patient morbidity and mortality.
- Hand trauma units manage acute open wounds where infection risk is significant.
- Current diagnostic methods may have limitations in real-time infection detection.
Discussion:
- Moleculight i:X autofluorescence imaging was evaluated for identifying infections in acute open hand trauma wounds.
- The study compared autofluorescence imaging results with clinical signs and microbiology wound swab data.
- A high correlation (97.1%) was observed between autofluorescence imaging, clinical assessment, and microbiology results.
Key Insights:
- Autofluorescence imaging detected bacterial infections in acute open wounds with high accuracy.
- The Moleculight i:X device provided real-time insights into wound infection status.
- In one instance, autofluorescence imaging indicated infection where swabs were negative, highlighting potential sensitivity.
Outlook:
- Autofluorescence imaging may serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool for real-time bacterial infection confirmation in acute wounds.
- This technology could guide clinical management decisions, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- Further research can explore the broader application of autofluorescence imaging in various wound types.
