Clinical Case Study - Diabetic foot infection - Mepilex Up®

Treatment

An 51-year-old female patient with diabetes presented with an advanced-stage diabetic foot infection. Post-assessment, an amputation of the 2nd toe was undertaken, followed by extended antibiotic therapy to control the infection. Major challenges included the management of metabolic parameters and high wound exudate levels.

It was logistically difficult to employ successful negative pressure wound therapy for exudate management due to lack of trained staff. Due to the shape of the wound, it was difficult to achieve a good seal around the wound with a superabsorbent dressing; furthermore, frequent dressing changes were required due to seepage from under the edges of the dressing. Therefore, Mepilex® Up was employed to effectively manage the exudate and provide complete coverage.

Wound Progression

Results

After an initial application period where Mepilex® Up was changed every other day, the frequency was reduced to twice-weekly.

Mepilex® Up prevented maceration and supported wound healing. Conformability of the dressing helped achieve a good seal around the wound, with no leakage noted at any stage.

Healing progression was recorded and effective exudate management achieved.
The following advantages of Mepilex® Up were highlighted by the clinician:

• Easy application
• Safe application on fragile skin
• Effective management of high volumes of fluids
• Remained in situ
• Easy removal and gentle adherence to intact skin, ensuring pain-free removal
• Reduced visits, freeing up clinical time
• Provided a cost-effective option compared with the long-term cost of sub-optimal wound care
• Promoted self-care
• More sustainable and readily available.

^{Acknowledgement: courtesy of Jane Todhunter, Vascular nurse practitioner, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust}