Utility of a synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix in the management of pyoderma gangrenosum: a case study

• Published in: Wounds (King of Prussia, Pa.) Vol. 36; no. 9; pp. 323 - 326
• Main Authors: Loesel, Kaitlyn J, Pritchett, Blake E, Schultz, Alexander, Towarnicki, Jonathan M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Bandages; Debridement - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pyoderma Gangrenosum - therapy; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing - physiology
• ISSN: 1943-2704; 1943-2704
• DOI: 10.25270/wnds/24058

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin condition that is challenging for both patients and physicians alike. It is extremely painful and can become debilitating for many patients. PG has a mortality rate of 16% at 8 years, and patients with PG have a threefold risk of death compared to the general population. Currently, the management of PG is not standardized and is somewhat experimental as these wounds are prone to pathergy. A single patient diagnosed with PG of both lower extremities was successfully treated with a protocol that included serial wound debridement with a sterile scrub brush and hydrodebridement followed by application of a synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix (SHSFM) dressing. The patient's wounds successfully healed and the resolution was maintained at 2 years, at which time the patient was discharged from the clinic. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study reporting the use of SHSFM as a primary treatment option for PG.