Effect of High Voltage Monophasic Stimulation on Pressure Ulcer Healing: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. To investigate the effect of high voltage monophasic stimulation (HVMS) on pressure ulcer healing. Methods. Fifty-eight patients with pressure ulcers were included and ultimately allocated into two comparative groups. Patients in group A and B were treated pharmacologically (a local bath of potassium permanganate, compresses of fibrolan, colistin, iruxol, and wet dressings containing 10% sodium chloride). Patients in group A were additionally treated with HVMS (100 is, 100 Hz, 100 V) once daily, five times a week for 6 weeks. Results. The relative changes in total surface area were (85.38% in group A versus 40.08% in group B); length (71.22% in group A versus 30.38% in group B); width (76.09% in group A versus 32.48% in group B); and volume (20.69% in group A versus 9.39% in group B). The Gilman Index (0.64 cm in group A versus 0.28 cm in group B) indicated a difference in favor of group A (P <= 0.001). More efficient decrease of pus and greater granulation growth were observed in group A. Conclusion. HVMS appears to be a promising and useful treatment modality for pressure ulcers.