Over 6.5 million Americans suffer from chronic wounds that do not heal, with many of these wounds containing bacteria that can lead to severe infection and complications, including amputation. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers are especially at risk, with one-third of diabetics developing such ulcers and 20% of them requiring an amputation. Traditional wound debridement techniques may not always remove all bacteria, as not all types are visible to the human eye. However, new research from Keck Medicine of USC suggests that Autofluorescence (AF) imaging may be a more effective method for detecting bacteria during wound debridement.
AF imaging uses violet light to illuminate bacteria in wounds that may not be visible to the naked eye. Different types of bacteria emit different colors when illuminated, allowing physicians to identify the type and amount of bacteria present in a wound quickly and accurately. This technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, particularly for those with diabetic foot wounds, by enabling surgeons to pinpoint and remove bacteria more effectively, thus reducing the risk of amputation. The research, which reviewed 25 studies on the effectiveness of AF imaging in treating diabetic foot ulcers, found that the technology can identify bacteria in wounds that may have been missed by traditional clinical assessments in approximately 9 out of 10 patients.
Unlike traditional wound care practices, where tissue samples are sent to the lab for analysis to determine the appropriate treatment protocol, AF imaging allows physicians to make real-time medical decisions during wound debridement. This can lead to faster and more effective treatment, as delays in initiating treatment due to waiting for lab results can increase the risk of infection. Additionally, catching bacteria early may help patients avoid being prescribed prolonged courses of antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Keck Medicine physicians are already utilizing this technology to successfully treat patients with chronic wounds, and there is hope for AF imaging to become the standard of care for wound care in the future.
The study on AF imaging in wound care is partially supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The technology has the potential to revolutionize wound care by allowing physicians to detect and remove bacteria more accurately and efficiently, ultimately improving patient outcomes, particularly for those with chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. As research in this area continues, there is optimism that AF imaging will become a widely adopted tool in wound care, leading to better treatment and outcomes for patients with chronic wounds.