Originally published: (2007) 3M Corporation
3M and Tegaderm are trademarks of 3M.
Used under license in Canada. © 2007, 3M. All rights reserved. 0710-CP-30049-e
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Authors:

Richard White Ph.D., M.I.Biol., Professor of Tissue
ViabilityInstitute of Health, Social Care and Psychology,
University of Worcester, WR2 6AJ.

Summary:

This document summarizes clinical studies on 3M™ Tegaderm™ Matrix (formerly DerMax® or Epimax®), a dressing designed to support faster healing in chronic wounds by normalizing the wound micro-environment, regulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and facilitating re-epithelialization.

Key findings from the studies include:

• Delayed Wound Healing: Chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers (VLU) and diabetic foot ulcers (DLU), often fail to heal with standard therapy. Bioburden and protease enzyme imbalance (MMPs and their inhibitors, TIMPs) are strongly associated with delayed healing.
• MMP-2 Expression: Assessment of MMP-2 expression reliably indicates wound healing with Tegaderm™ Matrix treatment. Studies showed reduced inflammation and healthy wound beds within six weeks.
• Healing Rates:
  • An observational study of complex non-healing wounds showed a 48% overall healing rate at six weeks, with a predicted 72% if used for more than six weeks.
  • For pressure ulcers, Tegaderm™ Matrix achieved 100% full closure for Stage II and III ulcers (average healing time less than six weeks), and 12.5% for Stage IV ulcers.
  • In diabetic foot ulcers, a multicenter pilot study resulted in full closure for 75% of patients with an average healing time of 15 weeks.
  • Chronic leg ulcers showed an 80% reduction in wound size within 10 weeks and reduced pain.
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Polyhydrated ionogens (PHI) in the dressing regulate protease imbalance, down-regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and stimulate re-epithelialization.
  • In vitro studies showed that PHI has no toxicity at concentrations <0.5% in cultures of normal or diabetic fibroblasts and can decrease MMP-2 mRNA while increasing TIMP mRNA levels.
  • Metal ions inhibit PMNs (polymorphonuclear neutrophils) production of reactive oxygen species and complement activation, while citric acid acts as a scavenger of superoxide anions.
• Clinical Observations: Wounds treated with Tegaderm™ Matrix often became covered in a thin layer of transparent wound fluid that diminished as the wound healed. A reduced inflammatory state was observed, with non-healing wounds transforming into healthy ones within two weeks of treatment.