(CS-089) The Global Mission of Wound Care: Using A Human Keratin Hydrogel Matrix to Improve Healing in Refractory Wounds in Zanzibar

Allison Ramey-Ward, PhD – Research & Development Manager

Introduction: Global wound care is a pressing need. An estimated $28 billion will be spent on global wound care. The cost to treat venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in the US alone is $4.9Billion[5]. Present in 2% of the population, and near 5% in those age 65 or older, VLUs are associated with significant morbidity, and negative socioeconomic impact [1,2]. Diabetic foot ulcers also present a significant global burden, costing more than $ 1.07 billion. Here we present our data on treating chronic wounds with a human keratin hydrogel matrix (HKHM) in Zanzibar, a country plagued by little access to supplies and economic resources.

Methods: Ten patients (8 male and 2 female, 21-59 years old) with various chronic refractory wounds were treated with HKHM for 8 weeks. Wounds had previously received at least 4 weeks of local wound care, infection management, and surgical debridement as indicated. Patients were treated with HKHM applications (average of 4 applications total), local wound care, and secondary dressing changes as needed, and progress was evaluated with weekly wound measurements.

Results: Nine patients completed the treatment series; one passed away from uncontrolled diabetes. All wounds treated with HKHM showed positive clinical responses. Increased epithelialization and granulation tissue in wound base was observed weekly. Wounds averaged a 50% decrease in size during the 8-week treatment period, and remain in active treatment. These wounds represent: large wounds over 150cm², complicated wounds with exposed bone, chronic wound age, and the most comorbid patients. Additionally, venous edema was improved in all VLU patients treated with HKHM, and one patient was spared below-the-knee amputation.

Discussion: This case series illustrates the benefits of HKHM to promote the healing of refractory wounds. Many standard wound care methods are inaccessible to the physicians and patients of Zanzibar. We investigated the efficacy of human hair keratin as an accessible, potentially efficacious [3,4], and cost-effective wound care product. This case series was conducted alongside physician and patient education. This improved quality of care and compliance, highlighting how effective training and follow-up is a sustainable answer to tackling the global wound care concern.