Management of a pressure ulcer of the hip with ACTICOAT◊ 7 (with SILCRYST(TM) Nanocrystals)
Introduction
This case study illustrates the use of ACTICOAT◊ 7 to heal a pressure ulcer that had failed to respond to previous therapy.
Patient
The patient was an 85 year old male, who was partially bedridden and suffering from malnutrition and cachexia. A pressure ulcer had formed on the hip and had been present for 5 months. The woundbed was 95% sloughy, with signs and symptoms of infection, including increased redness, increased exudate and pain (Fig. 1). Previous treatment had involved topical antibiotics and gauze. A deep swab revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, prompting administration of systemic antibiotics twice daily for 7 days.
Treatment
ACTICOAT◊ 7 was moistened, applied to the wound and covered with ALLEVYN◊ Dressing changes were carried out every 7 days.
Outcome
A visual difference could be seen after 20 days (Fig. 2) and complete closure was achieved in 5 weeks (Fig. 3).
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| Fig 1 | Fig 2 |
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| Fig 3 |
Cost Analysis
The patient had approximately 5 months of conventional treatment for his grade 3 pressure ulcer, with the ulcer remaining unhealed.
A 5-piece course of ACTICOAT◊ 7 resulted in a healed ulcer within 5 weeks.
| Pound Sterling (£) | US Dollars ($) | ||
| Cost of previous treatment |
Cost to heal with ACTICOAT◊ 7 |
Cost of previous treatment |
Cost to heal with ACTICOAT◊7 |
| £11,739 | £2,730^ + £56 | $21,506 | $5,001^ + $103 |
| Additional cost to heal ulcer: | £56 | Additional cost to heal ulcer: | $103 |
This cost for treatment visits and conventional wound management products would have been incurred irrespective of treatment choice.
™SILCRYST is a trademark of NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp, used under license.