Adding Hypochlorous Acid to Your Pressure Ulcer Management Toolbox: A Case Series

Introduction: Pressure ulcers can impair the quality of life, and the goal of management is to create an optimal local wound healing environment1. Pressure ulcers can be difficult to manage and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Wound cleansing is a routine part of managing these wounds. Wound cleansing can aid in the removal of exudate, debris and contaminates. Pressure ulcers located on the sacrum or ischium are at a high risk for infection due to exposure to urine and feces.

Background: This poster will present a four patient case series utilizing hypochlorous acid routinely to the treatment of stage 3 and 4 pressure ulcers.

Method: Each patient selected presented with a chronic stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcer to the sacrum or ischium. Each received 10 minute soaks of hypochlorous acid with each dressing change. Patients were then treated with a variety of topical advanced dressings. Progression of wounds were tracked on a weekly basis. The protocol was followed for 90 days. Results: Each of the patient’s showed improvements in the size and tissue quality of their wounds. The wounds also remained free from infection and odor.

Discussion: Patients who develop stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers are at high risk for the development of infection. This four case series indicated the routine use of hypochlorous acid can be an effective tool to assist in the management of pressure ulcers. Recommendations include the development of a prospective study with a larger sample size.