Pilot assessment of the effect of negative pressure wound therapy on microperfusion of chronic and acute wounds.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been established over years for treatment of chronic and complex wounds. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to investigate the effect NPWT on the microperfusion. METHODS: Prospective single centre analysis of patients treated with NPWT due to acute (ACUTE) wounds after fasciotomy or patients with chronic wounds (CHRONIC) due to a chronic limb threatening ischemia was performed. NPWT was conducted through a three days sequence with a negative pressure of -120 mmHg. Before after and during the entire period of therapy the microperfusion was assessed (O2C™, LEA Medizintechnik). RESULTS: Comparison of the perfusion values of 28 patients (CHRONIC/ACUTE 5/23, women/men 8/20) before and after the NPWT sequence showed a non-significant improvement in the CHRONIC group (supine position: p = 0.144, elevated position p = 0.068) and a significant decrease in the ACUTE group (supine position p = 0.012, elevated position p = 0.034). This effect could also been demonstrated during the NPWT over time (CHRONIC: supine position: p = 0.320, elevated position: p = 0.053, ACUTE: supine position: p = 0.021, elevated position: p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Microperfusion measurements showed alterations and differences in wound bed perfusion of acute and chronic wounds; acute wounds tended to a decrease of blood flow, whereas this effect was not seen in chronic wounds in peripheral artery disease.