This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of silver nitrate, triamcinolone, and a successive use of both treatments in managing hypergranulation tissue in traumatic wounds. Conducted over a four-year period at UPMC Mercy, the study will involve patients presenting with hypergranulation tissue. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either topical silver nitrate, topical triamcinolone, or a combination of the two in succession. The study will assess treatment outcomes based on the reduction or resolution of hypergranulation tissue, with the goal of identifying the most effective therapeutic approach. This research will provide valuable insights into optimizing treatment strategies for hypergranulation tissue in traumatic wounds.

Silver Nitrate vs. Triamcinolone for Treatment of Hypergranulation Tissue

Wound Healing

Granulation Tissue

Silver Nitrate

triamcinolone

Silver nitrate + triamcinolone

A Comparative Study of Silver Nitrate, Triamcinolone, and Their Successive Combined Use on Hypergranulation Tissue in Traumatic Wounds: A Randomized Control Trial

The investigators will report the changes in hypergranulation tissue size, assessing the change from baseline to follow-up. This will include measuring the hypergranulation size and tracking the percentage reduction over time for participants, with photographic documentation taken at baseline, resolution, and up to one year post-resolution to visually compare size changes. The outcome will evaluate the efficacy of each treatment through clinical observation and standardized wound assessment tools, ensuring that volume is documented as a distinct entry to comply with reporting requirements.

The scale measures scar characteristics based on color, pliability, height, and area. The VSS consists of three components: 1) Color (0-3), 2) Pliability (0-3), and 3) Height (0-3), with a total area score calculated based on the size of the scar. The overall score ranges from 0 to 13, where 0 indicates normal skin and higher scores represent worse scar quality. Specifically, higher values in color, pliability, and height indicate more severe scarring, while the area score provides an additional measure of size. The individual scores for color, pliability, and height can be summed to compute the total score, with the area score added to provide a comprehensive assessment of scar severity.

This outcome records the duration required for the wound to reach significant improvement or closure, helping to assess the treatment's efficiency.

The scale measures the quality of scars from both patient and observer perspectives. The scale includes two main components: the Patient Scale and the Observer Scale. Each component consists of 6 items rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 represents "no scar" and 10 represents "the worst scar imaginable," allowing for a total score range of 6 to 60 for each scale. Higher scores indicate worse outcomes, reflecting greater scar severity and patient distress. To compute a total score, the subscale scores can be summed, providing an overall assessment of scar quality from both perspectives.

Associate Professor, Plastic Surgery

This outcome assesses the structural integrity of the skin post-treatment, measured using a cutometer. The cutometer evaluates skin firmness and elasticity by applying a vacuum to the skin and measuring the degree of deformation. This assessment provides quantitative data on how well the skin maintains its structure after hypergranulation treatment, allowing for a comparison of improvements over time.

Using colorimetry, this outcome measures changes in skin/scar color, providing insights into the effects of the treatments on skin appearance.

The satisfaction scale for evaluating hypergranulation treatment uses a numeric scale from 1 to 10, where respondents indicate their level of satisfaction with the treatment. A score of 1 represents "Very Dissatisfied," indicating complete unhappiness with the treatment, while a score of 10 signifies "Completely Satisfied," reflecting total contentment with the treatment and its outcomes. This scale allows patients to provide a clear, quantifiable assessment of their treatment experience, which can inform improvements in care and patient outcomes.

This outcome will report the number of participants experiencing any complications related to hypergranulation treatment, including infection, skin sloughing, and delayed wound healing. By tracking these complications, the investigators will evaluate the safety profile of each treatment method. Specifically, the investigators will document the incidence of each complication, providing a clear metric for assessing the overall safety and tolerability of the treatments used. This information will be crucial for understanding the risks associated with each approach and guiding future treatment decisions.

The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain is a subjective measure used to assess a patient's level of pain on a scale from 0 to 10. Patients are asked to rate their pain by selecting a number that best represents their current pain level. This scale allows healthcare providers to quickly gauge the severity of pain and monitor changes over time, facilitating appropriate pain management strategies.

The mechanical properties of the skin will be evaluated using a durometer, which measures the hardness of the skin. This measurement reflects the skin's resilience and texture following treatment. By documenting changes in skin hardness, the investigators can gain insights into how the treatment affects the skin's overall quality and tactile properties, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of treatment efficacy.

Skin elasticity will be assessed using an elastometer, which quantifies the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original shape. This outcome reflects improvements in the skin's mechanical properties and overall health post-treatment. By analyzing the elasticity of the skin, the investigators can better understand the treatment's impact on skin recovery and resilience, providing valuable information for patient care and outcomes.

Patients in the triamcinolone group receive triamcinolone 0.5% applied topically to the hypergranulation tissue during their inpatient stay. Upon discharge, patients continue with the same triamcinolone 0.5% treatment, applying it once daily to affected areas in the outpatient setting. Treatment continues until either resolution of hypergranulation tissue (typically within 3-4 weeks) or until 8 weeks have passed without resolution, at which point the patient is considered a treatment failure if open areas persist. Standard wound care practices including appropriate dressings and antibiotics are maintained throughout the treatment period.

During the inpatient phase, patients in this group receive treatment with silver nitrate sticks applied directly to the hypergranulation tissue. Upon discharge, patients transition to using 0.5% silver nitrate solution for outpatient care, which is applied once daily to the affected areas. The switch to solution form for outpatient treatment is made because it is less painful and easier to apply, particularly on difficult-to-access areas of the body. Treatment continues until either resolution of hypergranulation tissue (typically occurring within 3-4 weeks) or until 8 weeks have passed without resolution, at which point the patient is considered a treatment failure if open areas persist. Throughout the treatment period, standard wound care practices including appropriate dressings and antibiotics are maintained.

The combination group receives treatment with silver nitrate sticks applied directly to the hypergranulation tissue during their inpatient stay. Upon discharge, patients switch from silver nitrate to triamcinolone 0.5%, which they apply once daily to affected areas in the outpatient setting. This treatment continues until either resolution of hypergranulation tissue (typically within 3-4 weeks) or until 8 weeks have passed without resolution, at which point the patient is considered a treatment failure if open areas persist. Standard wound care practices including appropriate dressings and antibiotics are maintained throughout. This combination approach aims to leverage both the initial cauterizing and antimicrobial effects of silver nitrate with the subsequent anti-inflammatory benefits of triamcinolone.

Silver Nitrate vs. Triamcinolone for Treatment of Hypergranulation Tissue

About this trial

Study ID

Status

Type

Phase

Placebo

Accepting

Trial Timing

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