Effect of limited access dressing on surface pH of chronic wounds
Abstract
Aim: Changes in the pH of chronic wounds can inhibit the optimal activity of various enzymes in the wound environment, thereby delaying wound healing. The aim of the present study was to monitor the effect of limited access dressing (LAD) on the pH on the surface of chronic wounds.
Methods: A total of 140 patients with chronic wounds of more than 4 weeks duration were divided into two groups by simple randomization: a LAD group (n = 64) and a conventional dressing group (n = 76). Fifty-six participants (22 in the LAD group and 34 in the conventional dressing group) were lost to follow up or withdrawn from the study.
Results: In the LAD group (n = 42) the mean age was 38.3 ± 10.56 years (range: 12-60 years) and the mean wound size at the time of admission was 28 cm2 (range: 19-40 cm2). In the conventional dressing group (n = 42), the mean age was 35.3 ± 14.0 years (range: 17-65 years), and the mean wound size at the time of admission was 26 cm2 (range: 18-39 cm2). Patients treated with a LAD showed a significant decrease in the mean ± standard deviation pH when compared with the conventional dressing group (0.83 ± 0.52 vs. 0.41 ± 0.26; P = 0.048).
Conclusion: LAD reduces the chronic wound surface pH to a level required for the optimal function of various enzymes. This could be a factor that exerts a beneficial effect on wound healing.
Keywords
Introduction
Chronic nonhealing wounds continues to pose a treatment challenge to the clinician.[1-3] Several enzymatic reactions in the wound environment are governed by the wound pH. Chronic nonhealing wounds may occur secondary to an elevated alkaline pH.[4] Very few studies have investigated the relationship between wound pH and the healing of chronic wounds. A study by Living et al.[5] established that weakly acidic wound environments significantly inhibit protease activity and may potentially promote wound healing. A subsequent comprehensive review by Schneider et al.[6] and Percival et al.[7] showed that pH is an influential factor in the healing process, as an acidic environment favors wound healing. The pH of the wound surface may change due to various factors including infection, oxygenation and topical applications of various dressing materials. Modulation of the wound pH may therefore change the direction of wound healing. There were no studies in the literature evaluating the role of negative pressure wound therapy in modulating wound pH.
Limited access dressing (LAD), a relatively new technique which combines negative pressure and moist wound dressings, has been shown to have a positive effect on wound healing.[8] The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of LAD on wound surface pH.
Methods
Ethical issues
This randomized control trial was carried out in the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal, Keanataka, India. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study was conducted as per approved protocol after obtaining informed consent from all patients.
Study design and randomization
Two hundred fifteen patients with chronic wounds of more than 4 weeks duration were screened in the study. Patients were evaluated for inclusion criteria (nonhealing chronic wounds) and exclusion criteria (collagen disorders, diabetes, leprosy, cirrhosis, HIV and pregnancy) and 140 patients were enrolled in the study. Simple randomization was performed (www.random.org; random number table was prepared), with assigned numbers and treatment sealed in opaque envelopes.
One hundred forty patients with a mean age of 36.86 ± 12.4 years (range: 12-65 years) were randomized and assigned to the LAD group (n = 64) or the conventional dressing group (n = 76) by simple randomization [Figure 1]. Of 140 patients, 56 participants (22 in the LAD group and 34 in the conventional dressing group) were lost to follow-up or withdrawn from the study. Of 42 patients in the LAD group, 22 (52%) were women and 20 (48%) were men. In the conventional dressing group, of 42 patients, 18 (42.8%) were women and 24 (57.1%) were men [Figure 1].
Figure 1. Consort flowchart
In the LAD group the mean age was 38.3 ± 10.56 years (range: 12-60 years) and the mean wound size at the time of admission was 28 cm2 (range: 19-40 cm2). In the conventional dressing group, the mean age was 35.3 ± 14.0 years (range: 17-65 years) and the mean wound size at the time of admission was 26 cm2 (range: 18-39 cm2) [Table 1].
Patient demographics and wound characterization at baseline
| LAD group | Conventional group | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of patients | 42 | 42 |
| Age, years (mean ± SD, range) | 38.3 ± 10.56, 12-60 years | 35.3 ± 14.0, 17-65 years |
| Mean wound size (cm2) | 28 (range: 19-40) | 26 (range: 18-39) |
| Female (%) | 52 | 42.8 |
| Male (%) | 48 | 57.1 |
Patients in the LAD group were treated with intermittent negative pressure.[8] In the conventional closed dressing group, patients were dressed daily with 5% povidone-iodine solution soaked gauze. The wounds of both groups were washed daily.
Assessment of wound surface pH
The surface pH was measured by a pH paper strip (Merck, Mumbai, India) placed on the surface of the wound with care taken to ensure accuracy.[9]
Statistical analysis
Data obtained from both groups was analysed using the Student’s t-test SPSS, 15th version, SPSS Inc., Chicago. The data (mean ± SD) was compared between the two groups. A P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results
In total, 215 patients were screened, 140 patients were randomized, of whom 64 were assigned to the LAD group and 76 to the conventional group [Figure 1]. Of the 56 participants 22 in the LAD group and 34 in the conventional dressing group were lost to follow-up or withdrawn from the study. The results of wound surface pH in chronic ulcer patients of the LAD group as compared to that of the conventional dressing group shown in Table 2.
Results of wound surface pH in the LAD (n = 42) and conventional dressing group (n = 42) Parameters Mean
| Parameters | Mean ± SD | P | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAD group (n = 42) | Conventional dressing group (n = 42) | ||||||
| Day 0 | Day 10 | Day (0-10) | Day 0 | Day 10 | Day (0-10) | ||
| Wound surface pH | 8.33 ± 0.35 | 7.5 ± 0.43 | 0.83 ± 0.52 | 8.31 ± 0.38 | 7.9 ± 0.47 | 0.41 ± 0.26 | 0.048 |
Discussion
The acidity and alkalinity is measured by pH value, that is, pH is a measurement of the concentration of H+ in the body. It ranges from 1 to 14, with pure water at a pH of 7 to be considered neutral. Acidic solution has a pH of less than 7 and basic or alkaline solutions have a pH greater than 7. Body pH can be tested using litmus paper immersed in saliva or urine. Even a minor variation in the concentration of H+ can alter the rate of many biochemical processes. Body pH can change secondary to diet, consumption of chemicals, exercise and various diseases altering the metabolism of body. Topical applications may change the body surface pH. Wound healing is regulated by complex chemical processes mediated by various enzymes and hormones. Hence, various intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence the pH of the wound environment, leading to alterations in the healing process. Therefore, events in wound healing including vasodilation, inflammation, release of oxygen into the wound bed, protease activity and the release and effects of bacterial toxins may be significantly influenced by the pH of the wound. The pH of body fluids and tissues is stabilized by various protein buffering systems. Hydrogen ions bind to protein molecule or bound hydrogen ions are released, changing their concentration in the body’s tissues and fluids. Intracellular buffers such as hemoglobin in its reduced form act as good buffering agents of the body. Haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling are the four overlapping phases of wound healing. Altered or impaired healing of chronic wounds is the result of an interruption in the various processes of these four phases of wound healing. Changes in the pH of the wound surface may be induced by application of topical preparations that influence the cellular events in wound healing. Subjective evaluation of the wound bed is performed by clinicians when making clinical decisions regarding management. A simple system for monitoring wound pH may provide an objective method for clinicians when deciding upon the course of treatment.[10]
The pH environment of chronic wounds has been recorded within the range of 7.15-8.9.[11-13] Both acute and chronic wounds with an elevated alkaline pH have demonstrated lower rates of healing than wounds in which the pH is closer to neutral.[5,10,14] Chronic wounds exhibit excessive breakdown of the extracellular matrix, and this occurs more readily when the wound has an alkaline pH[14,15] which may contribute to nonhealing ulcers. A study by Greener et al.[15] showed that every protease shows peak enzyme activity at certain pH levels, where the protein is broken down more rapidly than at other pH values. For example, cathepsins G has peak activity at pH 7.0, elastase at 8.0, matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP‑2) at 8.0, and neutrophil elastase at 8.3. The shift of the pH in a wound environment from alkaline to acidic favors the production of healthy granulation tissue by decreasing the growth of bacteria and MMPs.[15] The alteration of surface pH of wounds by the use of topical preparations has been used to promote healing.[16,17] In the present study, the wound surface pH of LAD vs. conventional dressing on day 0 was (mean ± SD) 8.33 ± 0.35 vs. 8.31 ± 0.38. On day 10, the mean wound surface pH ( ± SD) in the LAD vs. conventional dressing group was 7.5 ± 0.43 vs. 7.9 ± 0.47. The decrease in the mean wound surface pH ( ± SD) after 10 days of treatment in the LAD group was 0.83 ± 0.52 while in the conventional dressing group, it was 0.41 ± 0.26 ( P = 0.048).
LAD is a newer method of dressing which combines the principles of both negative pressure and moist wound healing. It utilizes a definite intermittent negative pressure regimen of 30 min of negative pressure followed by a rest period of 3.5 h. During the period without negative pressure, the LAD acts as a moist wound dressing. The wound bed preparation period has been shown to be reduced in LAD as compared to conventional dressings.[8] Also, the percentage of graft take under LAD has been shown to be higher.[8] LADs have been shown to have a faster rate of healing for both chronic and acute wounds.[8] In the present study a significant decrease in the wound surface pH of chronic wounds (P = 0.048) was noted in patients treated with the LAD as compared with the conventional group. The lower pH may be one of the factors responsible for improved wound healing with LAD as experienced clinically.[18-21] Lower systemic toxic symptoms in patents treated by LAD may be due to reduced activity of bacteria and bacterial toxins under the influence of a lower pH.
In conclusion, the study showed a reduction in the wound pH in LAD treated patients as compared to those who received a conventional dressing treatment. Lowering the pH in chronic wounds may accelerate wound healing by reestablishing equilibrium in the wound bed.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
REFERENCES
1. Callam MJ, Ruckley CV, Harper DR, Dale JJ. Chronic ulceration of the leg: extent of the problem and provision of care. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985;290:1855-6.
2. Nelzen O, Bergqvist D, Lindhagen A. The prevalence of lower-limb ulceration has been underestimated: results of a validated population questionnaire. Br J Surg 1996;83:255-8.
3. O'Brien JF, Grace PA, Perry IJ, Burke PE. Prevalence and aetiology of leg ulcers in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 2000;169:110-2.
4. Ye RC. The Relationship of pH of the Granulation Tissue and the Take of the Skin Graft. Plast Reconstr Surg 1957;19:213-7.
5. Leveen HH, Falk G, Borek B, Diaz C, Lynfield Y, Wynkoop BJ, Mabunda GA, Rubricius JL, Christoudias GC. Chemical acidification of wounds: an adjuvant to healing and the unfavorable action of alkalinity and ammonia. Ann Surg 1973;178:745-53.
6. Schneider LA, Korber A, Grabbe S, Dissemond J. Influence of pH on wound-healing: a new perspective for wound-therapy? Arch Dermatol Res 2007;298:413-20.
7. Percival SL, McCarty S, Hunt JA, Woods EJ. The effects of pH on wound healing, biofilms and antimicrobial efficacy. Wound Repair Regen 2014;22:174-86.
8. Kumar P. Exploiting potency of negative pressure in wound dressing using limited access dressing and suction-assisted dressing. Indian J Plast Surg 2012;45:302-15.
9. Shukla VK, Shukla D, Tiwary SK, Aqrawal S, Rastoqi A. Evaluation of pH measurement as a method of wound assessment. J Wound Care 2007;16:291-4.
10. Gethin G. The significance of surface pH in chronic wounds. Wounds UK 2007;3:52-6.
11. Wilson IA, Henry M, Quill RD, Byrne PJ. The pH of varicose ulcer surfaces and its relationship to healing. Vasa 1979;8:339-42.
12. Tsukada K, Tokunaga K, Iwama T, Mishima Y. The pH changes of pressure ulcers related to the healing process of wounds. Wounds 1992;4:16-20.
13. Romanelli M, Schipani E, Piaggesi A, Barachini P. Evaluation of Surface pH on Venous Leg Ulcers Under Allevyn Dressings. In: International congress and symposium series- Royal Society Of Medicine, editors. Evidence-based woundcare. Proceedings of a conference sponsored by Smith & Nephew. 1997 Nov 17; UK. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press; 1998. pp. 57-60.
14. Roberts G, Hammad L, Creevy J, Shearman C, Mani R. Physical changes in dermal tissues around chronic venous ulcers. In: Proceedings of the European conference on advances in wound management; 1997 Nov 18-20; Harrogate, UK. London: EMAP Healthcare Ltd; 1998. pp. 104-5.
15. Greener B, Hughes AA, Bannister NP, Douglass J. Proteases and pH in chronic wounds. J Wound Care 2005;14:59-61.
16. Gethin GT, Cowman S, Conroy RM. The impact of Manuka honey dressings on the surface pH of chronic wounds. Int Wound J 2008;5:185-94.
17. Molan PC. Re-introducing honey in the management of wounds and ulcers-theory and practice. Ostomy Wound Manage 2002;48:28-40.
18. Kumar PP, Sharma A. The limited access dressing for damage control in trauma patients. Wounds 2010;22:188-92.
19. Sreenivas T, Nandish Kumar KC, Menon J, Nataraj AR. Calcific Myonecrosis of the Leg Treated by Debridement and Limited Access Dressing. Int Low Extrem Wounds 2013;12:44-9.
20. Friji MT, Mohapatra DP, Chittoria RK, Dinesh Kumar S, Arjun Ashokan, Vijayaraghavan. Use of Urine Collection Bag as an Alternative of Custom-made Plastic Bag for Limited Access Dressing (LAD). J Soc Wound Care Res 2013;6:36-9.
21. Chittoria RK, Kumar P, Bajaj SP, Singh AK, Gupta DK. General Clinical Guidelines for Wound Management: Redefining acronym SWCR. J Soc Wound Care Res 2014;7:2-7.
Cite This Article
Open Access
, Thittamaranahalli Muguregowda HonnegowdaHow to Cite
Kumar, P.; Honnegowda, T. M. Effect of limited access dressing on surface pH of chronic wounds. Plast. Aesthet. Res. 2015, 2, 257-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/2347-9264.165449
Download Citation
Export Citation File:
Type of Import
Tips on Downloading Citation
Citation Manager File Format
Type of Import
Direct Import: When the Direct Import option is selected (the default state), a dialogue box will give you the option to Save or Open the downloaded citation data. Choosing Open will either launch your citation manager or give you a choice of applications with which to use the metadata. The Save option saves the file locally for later use.
Indirect Import: When the Indirect Import option is selected, the metadata is displayed and may be copied and pasted as needed.
About This Article
Special Issue
Copyright
Comments
Comments must be written in English. Spam, offensive content, impersonation, and private information will not be permitted. If any comment is reported and identified as inappropriate content by OAE staff, the comment will be removed without notice. If you have any queries or need any help, please contact us at support@oaepublish.com.