We evaluated whether matrix protection therapy by CACIPLIQ20® promotes healing of chronic lower extremity wounds in diabetic patients.
Ten diabetic patients with non-infected chronic skin wounds and with no evidence of healing were included. CACIPLIQ20® was applied topically twice a week for 5 minutes for up to 10 weeks. Wound surface area was measured at baseline then weekly during treatment. Wound closure, defined as complete reepithelialization, was the primary endpoint.
Mean wound surface area decreased by 25% within the first week (p=0.021 vs. baseline) and by 47% after 4 weeks (p=0.001 vs. baseline). After 10 weeks, the wound was closed in 6 of the 10 patients and decreased over 80% in the other patients. Subsequently, the none healed patients returned to standard care. Six months later, complete wound healing was noted in one additional patient and no further change in the remaining 3 patients. Two patients were again treated with CACIPLIQ20 ® for one month: one healed, the other improved again by 50%.
Nine months later, closed ulcers did not re-open. No evidence of intolerance to CALCIPLIQ20® was noted. Matrix protection therapy holds considerable promise for healing chronic refractory foot wounds in diabetic patients.