A Randomized Clinical Trial: The Efficacy of Hypochlorous Acid on Septic Traumatic Wound.

Background: Hypochlorous acid is a highly microbiocidal active agent against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. It achieved a marked reduction in the bacterial burden in a septic wound. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Hypochlorous acid as a wound care agent in a septic traumatic wound. Materials and Method: Design: The current study used a randomized clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of Hypochlorous acid as a wound care agent in a septic traumatic wound. Setting: trauma unit at Assiut university hospital was the setting of the study. Subjects: A random selection of 60 patients was done. Then a random distribution of the subjects to study group and control group, (30 subjects each) was done. Methods: The 30 subjects of the study group received Hypochlorous Acid for daily washing a septic wound for 3 to 5 minute, while the 30 subjects of the control group received Povidine Iodine and the results were compared. Bacterial count and culture were done before start washing, after one week, and two weeks in the two groups. Results: wound pain, odor, discharge and bacterial count were dramatically reduced by using as a disinfectant agent compared to the use of Povidine Iodine. Conclusion: Hypochlorous Acid appears to be inexpensive, easy to perform, painless and effective as a potent wound care dressing against a wide range of microorganisms. Hypochlorous Acid controls the tissue bacterial bio-burden without inhibiting the wound healing process, rapidly relieves pain and the area well prepared to skin flap or graft. Recommendation: The study recommended the use of Hypochlorous Acid as a potent wound care dressing. Further research is needed on a larger scale to validate the effectiveness of Hypochlorous acid as a wound care agent in a septic traumatic wound. Keywords: Efficacy, Hypochlorous acid, Septic wound, Bacterial burden