An open-labeled randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of Thai traditional medicine for pressure ulcer

The traditional medicine with robust researches was paid more attention for alternative pressure ulcer (PU) treatments. There is a promising Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) practice at Kabchoeng Hospital, Thailand. Honey and a Thai Herbal Oil preparation (THO) was used specific to TTM wound diagnosis. This study aimed to compare an efficacy of the TTM practice with a standard practice in PU treatment. To evaluate an efficacy of the practice, we incorporated TTM wound diagnosis into an open-labeled randomized controlled trial design. A TTM practice group received honey or THO depended on TTM wound diagnosis, using the Thai Traditional Medicine Pressure Ulcer Assessment Tool (TTM-PUAT) [1]. A standard practice group received advance dressings, e.g. hydrogel, foam, and alginate. Study setting was home-based care in 7 hospitals in Thailand. Sixty-six patients with at least a PU, in stage 2-4 or unstageable [2], were allocated to two groups equally by minimization method. The Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scores was used to monitor 6-week PU healing [3]. PUSH scores of both groups reduced significantly comparing to the scores at baseline. However, PUSH score reduction was not difference significantly between the groups (p=0.284). The mean of PUSH scores reduction after 6 weeks was 2.58 ± 3.38 in the TTM practice group and 3.24 ± 3.49 in the standard practice group. In summary, TTM practice was effective similar to the standard practice for PU, in home-based care setting within 6-week period. This study supported the TTM practice to be an alternative treatment for PU.

• References

• 1 Chotchoungchatchai S. An efficacy of honey and Thai herbal oil preparation on pressure ulcer treatment using hybrid methodology. Mahidol university; 2018
• 2 National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers: clinical practice guideline. 2 ed.. Perth: Cambridge Media; 2014: 40-41
• 3 Stotts NA, Rodeheaver GT, Thomas DR, Frantz RA, Bartolucci AA, Sussman C. etal. An instrument to measure healing in pressure ulcers: development and validation of the pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH). J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2001; 56: M795-799