References
Human keratin matrix in addition to standard of care accelerates healing of venous ulcers: a case series
Abstract
Objective:
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are often large and complicated wounds that, despite combinations of advanced wound care techniques and systemic treatment of underlying vascular issues, take many months to heal and have high rates of recurrence. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a novel wound care solution—human keratin matrix (HKM).
Method:
A case series of VLUs were treated with HKM in conjunction with indicated vascular intervention and standard of care (SoC) procedures. For analysis, these wounds were divided into very large (>200cm2) and smaller (<35cm2) wounds.
Results:
The cohort comprised 16 VLUs (very large=7; smaller=9). Very large VLUs were reduced in size by an average of 71% within 10 weeks, and showed a 50% size reduction within four applications of HKM. Smaller VLUs reduced by 50% in size within the first three weeks of treatment, and 88.9% of these wounds healed completely with an average of 4.5 HKM applications over an average of 6.5 weeks.
Conclusion:
The results of this series highlight the potential of HKM, in combination with indicated systemic interventions and SoC, as an effective treatment for hard-to-heal (chronic) VLUs, even in very large wounds.
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are hard-to-heal (chronic) lower extremity wounds with high prevalence, affecting 1–3% of the US population.1 Insight into the pathogenesis of VLUs has increased significantly in the last two decades. VLUs are primarily caused by venous hypertension, in patients with genetic predisposition and coexistence of other risk factors, such as obesity, ageing and low levels of physical activity.2 These lead to chronic inflammation, causing red and white blood cell extravasation into the dermis and secretion of numerous proinflammatory cytokines. Skin break and ulceration at these areas soon follows.3 VLUs are often large with an irregular shape, and are characterised by multiple episodes of infection, drainage and cellulitis.2,3,4 Many patients with VLUs also have coexisting diabetes, obesity and other comorbidities. Often these VLUs are mixed aetiology ulcerations of primarily venous origin.
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