Initial experience using a hyaluronate-iodine complex for wound healing.

Hyaluronate-iodine complex is a wound healing adjuvant approved for use in the European Union. The objective of this study is to validate hyaluronate-iodine as a potential wound healing agent. Patients were recruited from the hospital, the outpatient clinic, and the wound healing center. Hyaluronate-iodine soaked gauze was applied to wounds either daily or every other day depending on the amount of wound exudate. Wounds were measured weekly, and progression was documented with digital photography. All wounds were debrided as needed using standard surgical techniques. Fourteen patients (19 wounds) were entered into this prospective study, and 10 patients completed treatment. Fourteen wounds progressed to complete healing with a mean healing time of 18.1 ± 15.1 weeks. Treatment was interrupted in four patients. One patient discontinued treatment due to pain related to application of hyaluronate-iodine, another patient for transportation issues, and the other two patients were lost to follow-up due to relocation out of state and noncompliance with scheduled appointments. Hyaluronate-iodine was helpful in the healing of all types of wounds treated in this pilot study. The antiadhesive and antimicrobial properties of hyaluronate-iodine create a desirable environment conducive to wound healing without apparent detrimental effects.