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Stable closure of acute and chronic wounds and pressure ulcers and control of draining fistulas from osteomyelitis in persons with spinal cord injuries: non-interventional study of MPPT passive immunotherapy delivered via telemedicine in community care

Frontiers in Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1279100 · Published: January 5, 2024

Spinal Cord InjuryTelehealth & Digital HealthDermatology

Simple Explanation

Micropore particle technology (MPPT) is a topical treatment that supports the immune system to manage wound infections and promote tissue regeneration without using antimicrobials. This study aimed to confirm that MPPT is also effective in immunocompromised individuals, specifically people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), who typically have reduced immune cell recruitment to injuries. The study found that MPPT effectively closed various types of wounds and controlled soft tissue infections in SCI patients, leading to cost savings and reduced reliance on antimicrobials and extensive nursing care.

Study Duration
2017 to 2021
Participants
25 persons with spinal cord injuries and 44 wounds
Evidence Level
Non-interventional, observational, post-market surveillance study

Key Findings

  • 1
    All acute and chronic grade 1–4 wounds and pressure ulcers in SCI patients achieved stable closure with MPPT treatment.
  • 2
    MPPT reduced soft tissue infection in wounds acting as draining fistulas from osteomyelitis and supported tissue regeneration, considerably reducing fistula sizes.
  • 3
    The telemedicine approach for delivering MPPT was well-received and supported independence and self-care among participants.

Research Summary

The study confirmed the efficacy and safety of MPPT in treating acute and chronic wounds, including those with antimicrobial-resistant infections, in immunocompromised individuals with SCI. MPPT treatment led to significant per-wound cost savings, ranging from 51 to 94% compared to standard care, and reduced the need for nursing resources. The study demonstrated that MPPT can be successfully delivered via telemedicine, promoting patient independence and self-care, while also reducing the environmental impact by minimizing the use of antimicrobials and synthetic materials.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

MPPT offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional antimicrobial treatments for wound care, especially in immunocompromised patients, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Healthcare Economics

Implementing MPPT can lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare systems by reducing treatment duration, nursing requirements, and the need for expensive antimicrobial agents.

Patient Care

Telemedicine-based MPPT treatment enhances patient independence and self-care, improving quality of life and satisfaction with wound management.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Single-arm study design limits internal comparators.
  • 2
    Pressure ulcers in SCI persons are an orphan indication, impacting recruitment rate.
  • 3
    Cost comparisons are limited by the inclusion of non-SCI patients in external comparator data.

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