Polyhexamethylene biguanide combined with poloxamer 188 in the local treatment of chronic wounds of vascular aetiology – own experience and practice

Introduction
Year by year, an increasing number of people over the age of 60 years are af-fected by the problem of chronic wounds. Due to their antibacterial and analgesic effects, antiseptic gels are a therapeutic option for patients with hard to heal wounds. Polyhexameth-ylene biguanide (PHMB) may be accepted as a drug of first choice in the treatment of colo-nised and infected wounds. The aim of the study was to present our own experiences and observations concerning the use of medicinal products in the local management of wounds, including PHMB in combination with poloxamer 188 in the local treatment of chronic wounds.

Material and methods
An analysis of medical records of patients under the care of the cho-sen chronic wound treatment clinic was made. The analysis covered medical histories and pre-scriptions issued for 170 patients in the period from 2 February 2021 to 31 July 2021.

Results
The patients varied in age from 19 to 97 years, the average age being 68.7 years. The most common diagnosis was statis ulcer of a lower extremity (L97) (57.1%, 97 persons), fol-lowed by decubitus ulcer (L89) (13.5%, 23 persons), and diabetic ulcer (E10.5) (13.5%, 23 persons). As shown in the study, the commonly administered medical products were adhesive antiseptic-impregnated dressings, polyurethane dressings, Hydrofiber dressings, and antiseptic gels (mostly based on PHMB with the addition of poloxamer 188).

Conclusions
PHMB combined with poloxamer 188 is an anti-bacterial substance commonly recommended for the local management of both colonised and infected wounds. It shows strong anti-bacterial properties and can be applied concurrently with most anti-bacterial sub-stances on the market.