Effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide in the treatment of pressure ulcers

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the positive effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on the wound-healing process in pressure ulcers. In this randomized controlled trial, the effects of PDRN were compared over time between an experimental group (n=11) and a control group (n=12). The former was administered the same dose of PDRN intramuscularly (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, for 5 days) for 2 weeks and perilesionally (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, twice a week) for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint for determining efficacy was wound healing in the pressure ulcers, which was reflected by the wound surface area determined using VISITRAK Digital (Smith & Nephew, Largo, FL). The secondary endpoint was the pressure ulcer scale for healing score, determined using pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH Tool 3.0 developed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel). After the 4-week treatment period, PDRN therapy was found to significantly reduce the wound size and PUSH score, without adverse effect during the treatment. The findings indicate that PDRN can positively modify the wound healing process in pressure ulcers, and its use could improve the clinical outcomes of patients and lower the need for additional therapies or hospital stay.

Keywords: Polydeoxyribonucleotides; Pressure Ulcers; Re-epithelialization.

Fig. 1

Flowchart of the study.

Fig. 2

Perilesional infiltration.

Fig. 3

Change in wounds over time with PDRN administration (1). The patient was a 77-yr-old woman with a pressure ulcer over the coccyx. The wound size was 3.3 cm² and PUSH score was 12. (A) At baseline and after (B) 1, (C) 3, and (D) 4 weeks of treatment.

Fig. 4

Changes in wounds over time with PDRN treatment (2). The patient was a 57-yr-old man with a pressure ulcer over the buttock area. The wound size was 6.7 cm² and PUSH score was 13. (A) At baseline and after (B) 1, (C) 2, and (D) 4 weeks of treatment.