Treating recalcitrant diabetic wounds with hyaluronic acid: a review of patients.
The wound healing process in the patient with diabetes can be adversely affected by many factors, including unrelieved pressure, infection, and concurrent underlying conditions. In addition, a static wound may exacerbate patient anxiety or depression and indirectly further delay the healing process while increasing the risk of complications. The polysaccharide hyaluronic acid has long been known to be an integral component of the extracellular matrix in the dermis and other tissues and is implicated in the process of wound healing and tissue repair. Research has shown the benefit of using a novel ester of hyaluronic acid to accelerate the healing process and effectively treat diabetic foot ulceration and other difficult-to-heal chronic wounds. The effects of care using hyaluronic acid on three patients with challenging wounds are presented.
Ballard
Kate
K
Tissue Viability, Guy s Nuffield House, Guy s Hospital, London, UK. getkatecarter@hotmail.com
Cantor
Alan J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
C086358:hyaluronic acid benzyl ester; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid