Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the United States. The complications from this chronic illness include a decrease in peripheral circulation and healing is slow, therefore there is increased risk for infection. The legs and feet are usually areas diabetic ulcers can occur. In many cases amputation results because of non-healing, infected wounds.
Apligraf, a product made by Organogenesis, is a bi-layered, living cell based product and the only FDA approved product to heal leg and foot ulcers suffered by diabetics. It contains living cells and structural proteins that mimic the epidermis and dermis. This small, pink specimen is applied directly to a freshly debrided, medication free, cleaned wound. It does not overlap the healed skin of the patient and if large enough wound, may need more than one application. Once applied the first wound dressing remains on for 5-7 days. As the application takes hold and starts a healthy healing process, it will change in color too.
Today’s scientific technology of cell reproduction in the lab has evolved the combination of bovine fibroblasts, and infant foreskins to produce a solution to limb loss because of infection and chronic illness. Although this product doesn’t completely replicate the true human skin because it doesn’t contain sweat glands, blood vessels, hair follicles, melanocytes, macrophages, or lymphocytes, it does help people speed up recovery from diabetic ulcers. Ultimately this is a “fix” and not a desireable predicament to have to incur. Many preventative measures can be taken by the aging diabetic to care for blood sugar levels, proper foot and skin care, and regular consultation with a health care team. Apligraf was an amazing and exciting treatment I have personally witnessed in a clinical setting with wound care professionals at a local public hospital. I was amazed at the technology we have used resourcefully to produce. It makes you wonder how close we are to making this a new part of bionics.
www. organogenesis.com
“Wound Facts & Prevention”Apligraf: add life to healing. 26 Jun 2013 1:00pm. www. apligraf.com/professional/wound_facts_and_prevention/index.html