The evaluation of resorbable haemostatic wound dressings in contact with blood in vitro.

PURPOSE For many years research has been conducted on the development of resorbable, polymer, haemostatic materials designed to provide first aid and preliminary protection of injuries. The biological properties in vitro of a dressing in powder form called Hemoguard are expected to provide the ability to instantaneously stem bleeding with safe conditions of use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the haemostatic properties of a model of dressing based on micro- and nanofibrids of the chitosan, sodium/calcium alginate and/or carboxymethylcellulose complex. Dressings were prepared by spray-drying and freeze-drying. METHODS Human whole blood was subjected to timed contact with the haemostatic dressing model. Haemolytic action was determined by assaying the degree of haemolysis and evaluating blood cell morphology. Haemostatic action was determined on the basis of selected parameters of plasmatic clotting systems. RESULTS Dressings prepared by freeze-drying activated the coagulation system. The haemolytic index, plasma haemoglobin concentration values and blood cell morphological shapes were normal. Dressings prepared by spray-drying significantly activated coagulation. Activation of the coagulation process was evidenced by shorter clotting time of the plasma coagulation system and a longer process of clot formation. The dressing was associated with an increased haemolytic index and higher plasma haemoglobin concentration. The morphological shape of blood cells changed. CONCLUSIONS The model of multi-resorbable wound dressings has haemostatic properties. The materials activate the clotting process more quickly than a single-dressing model. Increased activity was found for dressings prepared by spray-drying.