Amniotic Membranes Help With Healing in Diabetic Feet

Acute wounds typically proceed through the phases of healing in a timely manner. Chronic wounds however become stuck in the initial phases of healing, leading to the overall delay in formation of granular or reparative tissue. Chronic wounds have been found to have decreased levels of growth factors (which are needed in abundance to heal) and high levels of bioburden (or tissue that lacks the full ability to repair and heal) resulting in the presence of inactive cells that inhibit normal healing.

The general expectation is that a wound should reduce in size by 50% after 4 weeks of standard treatment. If this expectation is not met, then the wound should be reassessed and advanced therapeutic agents should be considered. Cellular tissue products, most commonly Apligraf and Dermagraft have been shown to improve healing rates in chronic diabetic wound, more recently.

What Are Amniotic Membranes?

Amniotic membrane is a cellular tissue product that is showing great potential. The amniotic membrane surrounds and protects the developing fetus in utero. This membrane consists of 2 layers: The amnion layer is collagen rich. The chorion layer is a thick collagen dense layer.

The amniotic membrane also contains biologically active cells (stem cells) regenerative molecules and multiple types of growth factors. All of these components allow for faster and more efficient wound healing. The faster a diabetic wound heals, the less chance of infection and amputation.

 

 

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment 513-273-5119