Wound bed preparation: a case series using polyhexanide and betaine solution and gel-a UK perspective

Area of Science:

• Wound Care
• Medical Devices
• Antimicrobial Agents

Background:

• The National Health Service (NHS) faces a substantial wound care cost of £5.3 billion annually, projected to increase by 30% each year.
• Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical and economic challenge, often requiring prolonged and complex management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of polyhexanide (PHMB) and betaine wound irrigation solution and gels in treating hard-to-heal chronic wounds.
• To assess improvements in wound bed condition, exudate, slough, malodour, and pain, as well as changes in dressing change frequency.

Main Methods:

• A case series was conducted across the UK involving patients with chronic wounds of up to 20 years' duration.
• Treatment involved the use of polyhexanide (PHMB) and betaine wound irrigation solution and gels (Prontosan).
• An observation period exceeding one month was maintained for all participants.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of hard-to-heal wounds achieved complete healing.
• Significant improvements were observed in all other treated wounds.
• Early improvements in wound bed condition were noted within two days of treatment initiation.
• Reductions in malodour, exudate, slough, and pain were reported across the case series.
• A 55% decrease in dressing change frequency was observed in chronic wounds managed with this new regime.

Conclusions:

• Polyhexanide (PHMB) and betaine formulations demonstrate significant potential in healing chronic wounds.
• This wound care approach offers rapid improvements in wound bed condition and patient-reported symptoms.
• The observed reduction in dressing changes suggests improved efficiency and potential cost savings in wound management.