The role of cTOT as an adjunctive treatment in non-healing chronic wounds; A South African perspective

Our clinical poster, presented at the SAWC Spring conference in Orlando, FL USA, in May 2024, explores the impact of cTOT in a South African context. Developed by leading experts in wound care, the poster provides valuable insights into wound healing and pain management strategies for patients with chronic wounds.

This case series was also presented as an article in Wound Healing Southern Africa, which can be viewed here.

Introduction

Continuous Topical Oxygen Therapy (cTOT) is becoming increasingly recognized as a useful adjunct to good standard of care in non-healing chronic wounds. Compelling evidence supporting the impact of cTOT on wound progression, healing and pain management is reported in primary research and in various recent meta-analyses. In practice, cTOT is advocated in wounds with less than 40-50% healing in 4 weeks, helping patients and their carers heal wounds faster.

In this case series, the impact of cTOT as an adjunct to routine standard of care (SoC) was investigated in several patients with hard-to-heal wounds at a Wound Management Centre in Pretoria, South Africa

Key Highlights:

• Case Examples: The poster features compelling case examples showcasing the application of cTOT in challenging wound scenarios, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and burn injuries.
• Research Objectives: Learn about the objectives of the study, including the assessment of wound healing progression, pain reduction, and the overall impact of cTOT on patient outcomes.
• Methodology: Gain insights into the study methodology, including patient selection criteria, treatment protocols, and outcome measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of cTOT.
• Results: Explore the results of the study, including wound healing rates, pain score reductions, and percentage wound area reduction compared to baseline measurements.
• Discussion: Delve into the implications of the findings and understand the potential benefits of integrating cTOT into standard wound care protocols. Gain valuable perspectives from healthcare professionals involved in the study.

Discussion

Topical Oxygen Therapy use is endorsed and recommended by international expert guidance including the IWGDF, WHS and the ADA with potential benefits highlighted across any non-healing wound.

cTOT proved a useful adjunct to help promote wound healing and reduce pain in these challenging wounds in South Africa, highlighting the benefit that access to this therapy may bring to patients in the region with non-healing chronic wounds.

Poster Authors:

Sr. Liezl Naude, RN, BCur, MCur, AWCP, IIWCC; Dr Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP; Dr Emma Woodmansey, PhD

Article Reference:

Naude L, Cole W, Woodmansey E. (2024) The role of continuous topical oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment in non-healing chronic wounds: a South African perspective. Wound Healing Southern Africa, 17(1):15-21.