J Wound Manag Res.  2021 Oct;17(3):178-186. 10.22467/jwmr.2021.01557.

Evaluating Effectiveness of Medical Grade Honey-Containing Alginate Dressing in Patients with Chronic Lower Extremity Wounds

• Lee YJ
• Park KS
• Kim DY
• Shim HS

• KMID: 2521679
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22467/jwmr.2021.01557

Abstract

Background
Chronic wounds of the lower extremities are challenging to treat. Recently, honey-based dressings have been shown beneficial effects in diabetic foot ulcers and venous ulcers. Here, we compared Medihoney alginate with a standard alginate dressing in lower extremity chronic wounds.
Methods
We performed retrospective chart reviews of 37 patients between January 2019 and January 2021 with chronic lower extremity wounds who were treated with an Algisite M dressing (group A) or a Medihoney alginate dressing (group B). Microorganisms isolated from wound cultures, weekly decrease in wound area over 4 weeks, the number of patients who achieved complete wound closure, and the amount of time required for wound closure were compared between the two groups. Results: Sixteen patients were assigned to group A and 21 to group B. The isolated microorganisms were confirmed as methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus most commonly, followed by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Wound area decreased from 12.71 to 2.34 cm² in group A and from 14.07 to 1.71 cm² in group B (P<0.05). Seven patients achieved complete wound closure in group A (43.75%) and 15 patients in group B (71.43%). Mean duration of wound closure was 36.31 days in group A and 34.62 days in group B.
Conclusion
Considering the more rapid decrease in wound area in group B, application of a honey-containing alginate dressing to lower extremity chronic wounds, especially those infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, was proved to be a good treatment option.

Keyword

Diabetic foot ulcers; Venous ulcers; Pressure sore; Honey; Alginate