Topical Application of Magnetized Saline Water Hydrogel Promotes Rapid Pressure Ulcer Healing in Hospitalized Elderly Patients: An Acute Care Case Series

Abstract

Pressure ulcers, particularly among elderly patients with acute medical conditions, represent a significant clinical challenge and are associated with substantial morbidity and healthcare resource utilization. Autophagy, a fundamental cellular pathway involved in protein and organelle degradation, has emerged as a critical regulator of tissue repair and wound healing by orchestrating inflammatory cell activation, extracellular matrix deposition, and keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. Topical application of magnetized saline water (MSW) may increase the expression of autophagy biomarkers in skin tissue, representing a potentially efficacious management strategy for wound care. We conducted a prospective observational case series to explore the clinical utility of a topical hydrogel containing 95% MSW in the management of stage 2‒3 pressure ulcers in elderly patients admitted to an acute medical unit. Five geriatric inpatients (age range: 75-93 years) who developed hospital-acquired pressure ulcers during acute care hospitalization were included in the study. Following standard wound cleaning protocols, the topical MSW hydrogel was applied daily to the affected areas. Wound healing progression was monitored via clinical photography, assessment of granulation tissue formation, and documentation of any adverse events. All patients exhibited effective wound healing, with clear clinical improvement observed as early as three days and up to 10 days following initiation of hydrogel application. Notable findings included granulation tissue formation, enhanced wound bed vascularization, progressive wound margin contraction, and active epithelial advancement. Intriguingly, these favorable outcomes were achieved despite the presence of severe comorbidities, including acute heart failure, pneumonia, and multi-organ dysfunction, which are typically associated with impaired wound healing in the elderly population. No adverse reactions related to the hydrogel application were evident. In summary, the findings from this case series suggest that an MSW-based hydrogel capable of stimulating autophagy may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of pressure ulcers in acutely ill elderly patients. Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to establish the role of MSW-based preparations within the broader context of wound care in geriatric medicine.

Keywords: acute care; autophagy; elderly; hospitalization; magnetized water; pressure ulcers; wound care.

Figure 1. Response of a pressure-related linear wound to MSW hydrogel management in a patient with acute heart failure (Case 1)

(A) Initial presentation showing a linear wound with partial-thickness tissue loss, exposed dermis, and early granulation tissue formation. (B) Day 10 following MSW hydrogel application, demonstrating complete wound closure with well-healed linear scar formation and resolution of surrounding tissue inflammation. MSW: magnetized saline water

Figure 2. Response of a gluteal pressure ulcer to MSW hydrogel management in a critically ill patient (Case 2)

(A) Initial presentation showing an elongated gluteal wound with extensive slough (60%), greenish-gray necrotic debris, and perilesional tissue maceration. (B) Day 7 post-debridement and MSW hydrogel application, demonstrating complete slough resolution, uniform pink granulation tissue formation, epithelializing wound edges, and significant wound contraction in a patient with cardiogenic shock and multiorgan dysfunction. MSW: magnetized saline water

Figure 3. Response of a right calcaneal wound to MSW hydrogel in a diabetic patient with acute kidney injury (Case 3)

(A) Admission finding showing a calcaneal wound with extensive surrounding hyperkeratosis and desquamating skin over entire heel. (B) Day 5 demonstrating wound contraction and mild softening of hyperkeratotic skin following MSW hydrogel application. MSW: magnetized saline water

Figure 4. Response of multiple coalescing coccygeal pressure lesions to MSW hydrogel in a patient with bilateral pneumonia (Case 4)

(A) Baseline appearance showing cluster of superficial to partial-thickness wounds with mixed tissue composition including slough, fibrinous exudate, and moisture-associated damage. (B) Day 3 demonstrating early healing response with increased granulation tissue, reduced slough, and improved periwound condition following MSW hydrogel application. MSW: magnetized saline water

Figure 5. Response of a sacrococcygeal pressure ulcer to MSW hydrogel in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis with volume overload and pneumonia (Case 5)

(A) Baseline showing extensive tissue loss with circumferential undermining. (B) Day 10 demonstrating significant tissue regeneration and wound contraction following MSW hydrogel application. MSW: magnetized saline water