Iodophor Foam Dressing Used to Reduce Infections in Lower Extremity Ulcerations and Abdominal Wound

Abstract Body: Introduction:  Lower extremity ulcerations (LEU) are prone to development of deep infections that often result in sepsis or loss of limb (1, 2).  Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection as high as 25% can occur in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) (3).  Iodophor foam dressings (IFD) release iodine as evident by the color changing from black to yellow during absorption while providing an anti-bacterial environment during wound healing.   Objective: Evaluate reduction in infections following IFD treatment. Method: This case series consisted of four cases with osteomyelitis or pseudomonas infections. Case 1; presented with right leg LEU and copious amounts of pseudomonas drainage, Case 2; presented with DFU, chronic infection, osteomyelitis, following right foot fifth ray amputation, Case 3; presented with chronic non-healing DFU, osteomyelitis, and right foot second ray metatarsal amputation. Case 4; presented with an abdominal wound and multiple areas of pseudomonas drainage. All patients received IFD and 0.1% gentamicin cream with dressing changes as needed. Results: Case 1 had decreased pseudomonas drainage at day 3 with no signs of infection at 3 weeks. Case 2; had reduced osteomyelitis at 3 days following ray amputation. Case 3; had subsiding induration and reduced infection at 2 days. Case 4; showed reduced dryness and a decrease in pseudomonas drainage at 2 days post-IFD application.  Conclusion: We conclude that an IFD with 0.1% gentamicin cream can provide both a moist and anti-bacterial wound healing environment in patients with LEU and ray amputations while reducing osteomyelitis and pseudomonas drainage in just 2-3 days.