Negative pressure wound therapy for skin necrosis prevention after snakebite in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study. Issue 3 (22nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Kwan Jae; Min, Jin Hong; Yoo, Insool; Kim, Seung Whan; Lee, Jinwoong; Ryu, Seung; You, Yeon Ho; Park, Jung Soo; Jeong, Won Joon; Cho, Yong Chul; Oh, Se Kwang; In, Yong Nam; Ahn, Hong Joon; Kang, Chang Shin; Kyung, Hyunwoo; Lee, Byung Kook; Lee, Dong Hun; Lee, Dong Hoon
• Other Names: Sonmez. Mehmet section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 100:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-22
• Subjects: edema -- negative pressure wound therapy -- skin necrosis -- snakebites -- wound infection; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000024290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the effectiveness of conventional treatment and ultra-early application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients with snakebites. Patients who visited the emergency department within 24 hours after a snakebite were assigned to the non- NPWT or NPWT group. Swelling resolution time and rates of necrosis, infection, and operations were compared between the 2 groups. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale was used to measure short- and long-term wound healing results. Among the included 61 patients, the swelling resolution time was significantly shorter in the NPWT group than in non- NPWT group ( P = .010). The NPWT group showed lower necrosis (4.3% versus 36.8%; P = .003) and infection (13.2% and 4.3%; P = .258) rates than the non- NPWT group. The median Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale scores were higher in the NPWT group than in the non- NPWT group ( P < .001). These findings suggest that ultra-early application of NPWT reduces edema, promotes wound healing, and prevents necrosis in patients with snakebites.