An Anhydrous, Omega Fatty Acid-based Product Kit Used to Close a Recalcitrant Wound in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease

An Anhydrous, Omega Fatty Acid-based Product Kit Used to Close a Recalcitrant Wound in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease
Jacob Reinkraut, DPM, FACFAS; Desmond Bell, DPM, CWS; Adeen Khokhar, DPM, PGY-3; Sarah Abdou, DPM, PGY-2; and Sonya Wali, DPM, PGY-1; Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey

Introduction
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is distinguished by inherited red blood cell disorders. The typically round, healthy red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body become C-shaped (hence, the term sickle); these hard, sticky cells are short-lived, keeping red blood cells in short supply and thwarting healthy blood flow. Patients with SCD experience pain and other serious problems such infection, acute chest syndrome, stroke, and skin ulcers that often convert into chronic nonhealing wounds. The challenge in treating patients with SCD is addressing the propensity toward infection without exacerbating pain. This case report describes the successful treatment of a patient with SCD and a chronic leg wound who was provided an omega fatty acid-based product kit designed to help manage wound healing and associated pain.

Method
The patient was provided a 3-step, anhydrous, omega fatty acid-based product kit consisting of a lidocaine lavage, collagen matrix, and periwound protectant (substances known to address wound pain, infection, and remodeling), along with appropriate secondary dressings and compression, once weekly for 7 weeks.

Results
By the end of that period, the extremity wound was completely closed and the patient no longer required narcotic or over-the-counter nonsteroidal pain medication, improving her quality of life. The product kit is being studied for use in a variety of chronic wounds.

Discussion
In this case report, use of an omega fatty acid-based product protocol resulted in a previously chronic wound that closed within 7 weeks. Wounds in patients with SCD are known to be difficult to heal, owing to the disease’s ability to compromise red blood cells and circulation. Topical treatment with the lidocaine component lessened pain, the collagen matrix was instrumental in filling the wound and providing the structure for tissue growth, and the periwound protectant helped strengthen the skin while safeguarding against irritation and maceration.

References
1. Seo S, Jeong S, Gibson DJ. A pilot study of the antibacterial activity of topical fatty acids. Poster presented at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Spring/Wound Healing Society meeting. San Antonio, TX. May 7–11, 2019.
2. Laboratory testing University of Florida. Data on file.
3. Independent clinical and consumer use testing performed by Princeton Consumer Research. Data on file.
4. Independent testing performed by Augustine Scientific. Data on file.