ACTICOAT◊ 7 (with SILCRYST(TM) Nanocrystals) and the management of diabetic neuropathic foot ulceration
Introduction
This case study illustrates the use of ACTICOAT◊ 7 in the management of a diabetic foot ulcer.
Patient
The patient was an 80 year old male with a history of diabetes and an ulcer on the heel of his left foot (Fig. 1). The ulcer had been present for 1 year, was 20% black necrotic and 80% granulated. The dimensions of the wound were 6cm wide, 7cm long and 1cm deep. Skin surrounding the wound was reddened, macerated and oedematous, although it was intact. There was a large amount of exudate and the ulcer was malodorous. In addition, the clinical signs and symptoms of infection were present and the patient reported significant levels of pain.
Treatment
Moistened ACTICOAT◊ 7 was applied to the wound and covered with ALLEVYN◊ Dressing changes occurred every 7 days.
Outcome
After 4 weeks, the wound had significantly reduced in size to only 0.8cm wide, 3.7cm long and 0.2cm deep. The patient was no longer experiencing pain and all signs of infection had disappeared (Fig. 2 and 3).
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| Fig 1 | Fig 2 |
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| Fig 3 |
Cost Analysis
The patient had approximately 9 months of conventional treatment for his diabetic foot ulcer, with the ulcer remaining unhealed.
After 4 weeks of using ACTICOAT◊ 7 the ulcer had progressed well towards healing.
| Pound Sterling (£) | US Dollars ($) | ||
| Cost of previous treatment |
Cost to heal with ACTICOAT◊ 7 |
Cost of previous treatment |
Cost to heal with ACTICOAT◊7 |
| £8,901 | £920^ + £45 | $16,307 | $1,685^ + $82 |
| Additional cost to heal ulcer: | £45 | Additional cost to heal ulcer: | $82 |
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.