Evaluation of the tecidual healing process in chronic ulcers using bacterial cellulose curatives associated or not to lasertherapy

Author(s)

Fernanda Sanchez

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2012-10-23

Examining board members

Ana Maria Minarelli Gaspar; Mauricio Ferraz de Arruda; Sybele Saska Specian

• Advisor: Ana Maria Minarelli Gaspar

Abstract

Chronic skin ulcers are a major source of morbidity-mortality due to their high probability of infection and sepsis; for this reason, they have a significant impact on public health and the expenditure of healthcare resources. Skin ulcers (or wounds) are characterized by a loss of tecidual substance, interrupting cutaneous tissue and changing their anatomic and physiologic structures. The most commom ulcers are: cirurgical, venous, arterials, neurotrophics, pressure ulcers or mixed factors. Bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane is used as a temporary curative for the treatment of several types of skin ulcers due to its amazing body conformation, keeping the humidity, reducing the pain and accelerating the ephitelium healing process. Propolis have shown antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor and immunity modulation effects. Another treatment for skin ulcers is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), who have regenerative effects, and it also promoves the ulcer cicatrization, pain relief, better local circulation and reduces the inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pure BC and propolis BC membrane curative application, associated or not to LLLT in individuals who had chronic ulcers. The sample contained 8 patients and 12 ulcers, randomly divided in 5 groups: Pure BC Membrane Group (G1), Propolis BC Membrane Group (G2), Laser Group (G3), Pure BC Membrane + Laser Group (G4) and Propolis BC Membrane + Laser (G5). Sixty seven per cent of the treated ulcers progressed to full cicatrization, increasing the speed of cicatrization when compared to the existent period of the ulcer. The resto of treated ulcers had a great evolution and got close to the total reepithelization, except for one that had increased its final area because of decompensated diabetes and bacterial infection. All treatments had shown effectiveness for the treatment of chronic skin ulcers, however the differential on healing process was the use of pure BC membranes and propolis BC membranes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/12369-0 - Evaluation of the wound healing process in cronic ulcers using pure or propolis bacterial cellulose membranes curatives associated or not to lasertherapy
• Grantee: Fernanda Sanchez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master