This multicenter, retrospective study presents the use of a human acellular dermal regenerative tissue matrix as an alternative treatment for 100 chronic, full-thickness wounds of the lower extremity in 75 diabetic patients. Comorbidities included cardiac disease (86.0%), neuropathy (86.0%), peripheral vascular disease (82.0%), infection (54.0%), obesity (51.0%), and osteomyelitis (37.0%). Wound locations included the foot (86.0%), ankle (8.0%), and lower extremity (6.0%). Mean wound age was 20.4 weeks (1.3-191.4 weeks). University of Texas (UT) wound classifications included 15 (15.0%) 1A, 1 (1.0%) 1B, 1 (1.0%) 1C, 2 (2.0%) 1D, 18 (18.0%) 2A, 8 (8.0%) 2B, 5 (5.0%) 2C, 3 (3.0%) 2D, 3 (3.0%) 3A, 7 (7.0%) 3B, 3 (3.0%) 3C, and 34 (34.0%) 3D. The mean time to matrix incorporation, 100% granulation, and complete healing was 1.5 weeks (0.43-4.4 weeks), 5.1 weeks (0.43-16.7 weeks), and 13.8 weeks (1.7-57.8 weeks), respectively. The overall matrix success rate, as defined by full epithelialization, was 90.0%. One failed wound subsequently healed approximately 7 weeks after matrix reapplication. The healing rate was 91.0%, as 91 of the 100 wounds healed. No statistically significant differences were observed between UT classifications and time to matrix incorporation, 100% granulation, and complete healing. Absence of matrix-related complications and high rates of closure in a wide array of diabetic wounds suggest that this matrix is a viable treatment for complex lower extremity wounds. Lack of any statistically significant differences between UT grades and wound outcome end points lends further support to the universal applicability of this matrix, with successful results in both superficial diabetic wounds and in wounds penetrating to the bone or joint.

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Introduction. Omega-3–rich fish skin grafts have been shown to accelerate wound healing in full-thickness wounds. Objective. The goal of this study was to compare the fish skin graft with standard of care (SOC) using collagen alginate dressing in the management of treatment-resistant diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), defined as superficial ulcers not involving tendon capsule or bone. Materials and Methods. Patients with DFUs who were first treated with SOC (offloading, appropriate debridement, and moist wound care) for a 2-week screening period were then randomized to either receiving SOC alone or SOC plus fish skin graft applied weekly for up to 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage of wounds closed at 12 weeks. Results. Forty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. At 12 weeks, 16 of 24 patients' DFUs (67%) in the fish skin arm were completely closed, compared with 8 of 25 patients' DFUs (32%) in the SOC arm (P value = .0152 [N = 49]; significant at P < .047). At 6 weeks, the percentage area reduction was 41.2% in the SOC arm and 72.8% in the fish skin arm. Conclusions. The application of fish skin graft to previously nonresponsive DFUs resulted in significantly more fully healed wounds at 12 weeks than SOC alone. The study findings support the use of fish skin graft for chronic DFUs that do not heal with comprehensive SOC treatment.

Significance: Broad-spectrum metalloproteinase (MMP) reduction along with inherent aspects of an extracellular matrix (ECM) dressing can bring about improved wound healing outcomes and shorter treatment duration. Initial reports of clinical effectiveness of a new ovine-based collagen extracellular matrix (CECM) dressing demonstrate benefits in chronic wound healing. Recent Advances: CECM dressings are processed differently than oxidized regenerated cellulose/collagen dressings. CECM dressings consist primarily of collagens I and III arranged as native fibers that retain the three-dimensional architecture present in tissue ECM. As such, ovine-based ECM dressings represent a new generation of collagen dressings capable of impacting a broad spectrum of MMP excess known to be present in chronic wounds. Critical Issues: While MMPs are essential in normal healing, elevated presence of MMPs has been linked to wound failure. Collagen has been shown to reduce levels of MMPs, acting as a sacrificial substrate for excessive proteases in a chronic wound. Preserving collagen dressings in a more native state enhances bioactivity in terms of the ability to affect the chronic wound environment. Clinical observation and assessment may not be sufficient to identify a wound with elevated protease activity that can break down ECM, affect wound fibroblasts, and impair growth factor response. Future Directions: Collagen dressings that target broad-spectrum excessive MMP levels and can be applied early in the course of care may positively impact healing rates in difficult wounds. Next-generation collagen dressings offer broader MMP reduction capacity while providing a provisional dermal matrix or ECM. SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCESelecting treatment based on a scientific understanding of the pathological condition of a chronic wound is important in addressing cost and patient needs. Harmful effects of excessive metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in chronic wound healing should be a consideration of wound care decision making. Collagen dressings have been shown to reduce MMP levels, acting as a sacrificial substrate for excessive proteases in chronic wounds. 1-3New ovine-based collagen extracellular matrix (CECM) dressings (EndoformÔ dermal template; Hollister Wound Care, Libertyville, IL) exhibit broad-spectrum MMP inhibition and can serve as a provisional matrix to affect cellular signaling and differentiation that may enhance wound healing. 2 TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCEDegradation of collagen is important for the physiological remodeling of connective tissues during wound healing. Extracellular degradation of collagen fibers is mediated by MMPs and is a multistep process. A collagen dressing with a preserved structural component can serve as a provisional ECM dermal template and influence cellular interaction necessary to encourage keratinocyte migration. 4 CECM dressings have been shown to retain the complex collagen architecture of native tissue ECM as well as the ECM-associated secondary molecules, including laminin, fibronectin, and glycosam...

The results of this multicenter prospective study demonstrate that the use of PriMatrix integrated with standard-of-care therapy is a successful treatment regimen to heal DFUs.