Clinical Research Directory

Efficacy of a Polyhexanide Biguanide-Based Gel in the Prevention of Biofilm Formation in Pressure Ulcers

INTRODUCTION: Pressure ulcers (PU) are one of the main challenges for nursing in our country. Wound bed preparation and the TIME algorithm provide essential tools for adequately treating these lesions. However, these wounds tend to become chronic due to the bacterial load in their bed. It is now known that bacteria can form complex and diverse structures, named as biofilm, which are difficult to diagnose and much more resistant to antimicrobial action. Controlling these biofilms is crucial to create the optimal conditions for wound healing. Currently, it is believed that biofilms are present in 60-100% of chronic wounds. Therefore, more studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of different antimicrobial agents on these structures. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a gel containing polyhexanide and biguanide, alone or in combination with alginate with or without silver, in preventing biofilm in PU, in terms of healing at 4 weeks. METHODOLOGY: Multicenter clinical trial with a 2x2 factorial design, conducted with patients from Alcoy with category II and III PUs that meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A sample of 140 participants is estimated, distributed into four groups of 35 patients. The interventions that will be carried out will be: application of Prontosan gel® and Aquacel Ag+®; Aquacel Ag+®; control group; Prontosan gel®. Data on wound evolution will be collected using RESVECH 2.0. Descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing will be performed.

Comparison of Transforming Powder Dressing to NPIAP Recommended Standard of Care Therapies in Stage 2, 3 and 4 Pressure Injuries

Pressure injuries, commonly known as pressure ulcers, affect over 2.5 million people in the United States. Pressure injuries are classified into four escalating stages, from intact skin to full thickness wounds with deep tissue loss and exposed bone. This study will compare current standard of care treatment (as recommended by the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel) to treatment with Altrazeal® in patients with stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4 pressure injury wounds. Altrazeal® is a Class 1, 501(k) exempt medical device listed with the FDA as a "dressing, wound, hydrogel" and has an extended wear time of up to 30 days. Subjects can be enrolled in the study either as an outpatient, or while hospitalized. Half of the subjects will be randomized to standard of care treatment, and the other half will be randomized to Altrazeal®. There are a total of up to 12 study visits taking place over 12 weeks.

Comparaison of Two Prone Position Techniques on Occurence of Pressure Sores in ICU

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a diffuse inflammation of the lungs that occurs in a variety of diseases. According to the Berlin definition, ARDS is characterized by diffuse lung damage in patients with predisposing factors. Understanding the physiology of ARDS has led to improved ventilatory management, which must be protective to ensure adequate oxygenation and CO2 clearance. Prone position (PP) is a technique that can reduce mortality in patients with severe ARDS. PP results in a more homogeneous distribution of pulmonary stress and strain, helping to protect the lung against ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). It also increases the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio, improves the pulmonary ventilation-perfusion ratio, decreases PaCO2 and promotes ventilation of the dorsal lung regions. This technique should be offered to all patients with severe ARDS for 16 consecutive hours, to improve survival and weaning success from mechanical ventilation. However, PP has adverse effects. A meta-analysis showed an increased risk of pressure sores, possibly linked to generalized acute inflammation associated with significant cytokine discharge and diffuse lesions of the vascular endothelium. PP also increased the risk of obstruction and displacement of the endotracheal tube. Final positioning in PP, (i.e., the position imposed on the patient for the duration of the PP session) varies from one ICU to another, and is rarely described in scientific articles. There are two main variants: 1. prone , with arms alongside the body 2. prone, swimmer's position The aim of our study is to show that the "swimmer" PP reduces the occurrence of stage 3 or higher pressure sores, compared with the "arms alongside the body" PP (standard care) at Day 28 post inclusion.