Effect of limited access dressing on surface pH of chronic wounds

Aim: Changes in the pH of chronic wounds can inhibit the optimal activity of various enzymes in the wound environment, thereby delaying wound healing. The aim of the present study is to monitor the effect of limited access dressing (LAD) on the pH on the surface of chronic wounds. Methods: A total of 140 patients with chronic wounds of more than 4 weeks duration were divided into two groups by simple randomization: a LAD group (n = 64) and a conventional dressing group (n = 76). Fifty-six participants (22 in the LAD group and 34 in the conventional dressing group) were lost to follow-up or withdrawn from the study. Results: In the LAD group (n = 42), the mean age was 38.3 ± 10.56 years (range: 12-60 years), and the mean wound size at the time of admission was 28 cm2 (range: 19-40 cm2). In the conventional dressing group (n = 42), the mean age was 35.3 ± 14.0 years (range: 17-65 years), and the mean wound size at the time of admission was 26 cm2 (range: 18-39 cm2). Patients treated with LAD showed a significant decrease in the mean ± standard deviation pH when compared with the conventional dressing group (0.83 ± 0.52 vs. 0.41 ± 0.26, P = 0.048). Conclusion: LAD reduces the chronic wound surface pH to a level required for the optimal function of various enzymes. This could be a factor that exerts a beneficial effect on wound healing.