Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid in the management of acute wounds.
BACKGROUND
Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) is a key component of the extracellular matrix and is known to be involved in several mechanisms of the wound healing process. It has been shown to improve and accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds. This open-label study investigated whether application of hyaluronic acid could also improve the healing progression of acute wounds.


METHODS
Forty-three patients with acute wounds, including trauma wounds, surgical sutures, burns, and dermabrasions, were included in the study. Hyaluronic acid (ialuset) was applied either as a cream or as a dressing, and the progression and quality of healing were evaluated at each application for a maximum of nine applications.


RESULTS
The mean surface area of the wounds decreased from 556 mm(2) at baseline to 169 mm(2) by the sixth evaluation, an average reduction of 70% in the surface area of the wounds. Complete healing occurred in 56% of cases by the sixth application. Little or no fibrin was observed in 91% of cases, and 84% of wounds showed little or no exudate. Both formulations of hyaluronic acid were well tolerated and were rated highly by nurses and patients for ease of use and treatment satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Interpretation of the results of this open-label study is limited by the lack of a standard wound dressing as a comparator and by the varying types of wounds selected for inclusion. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that hyaluronic acid provides good healing of acute wounds and is well accepted by both patients and nurses.
Voinchet
Véronique
V
67 cours Gambetta, 13100 Aix en Provence, France.
Vasseur
Pascal
P
Kern
Jérôme
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D001458:Bandages; D004643:Emollients; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000293:injuries; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D004643:Emollients; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid