Is Deficiency in the Electrical Current of Injury a Barrier to Healing in Hard-to-Heal Wounds? A Systematic Review with Implications for the TIMERS Paradigm.

Abstract

Objectives: Endogenous bioelectric signaling (including transepidermal potential [TEP] and the current of injury) plays a fundamental role in normal wound repair. Despite this, commonly used wound management frameworks do not consider this important driver of healing. The objectives of this review are to explore whether the patient characteristics/pathologies common in delayed healing are associated with weakened electrical properties of the skin and to consider whether compromised currents of injury are a barrier to healing that could be addressed with electrical stimulation therapy (EST) and incorporated into existing frameworks. Approach: This systematic review of PubMed was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and aimed to explore the impact of three characteristics associated with delayed healing (older age, diabetes, and chronic inflammation) on the electrical properties of skin/wounds. Results: Twelve relevant studies were identified, revealing that TEP in older or diabetic people is significantly lower, and the current of injury is approximately half that of young, healthy controls. Innovation: Lower currents of injury are associated with slower wound healing; therefore, the reduced current of injury/TEP identified here can be considered a barrier to healing. EST is designed to boost the weakened current of injury, back up to normal levels, stimulating a healing response. The incorporation of EST into existing wound management frameworks is therefore proposed. Conclusion: Endogenous bioelectrical signaling in the wound healing process appears to be compromised particularly in older people and those with diabetes. Patients may benefit from incorporating treatment with EST, which boosts bioelectrical signaling, into relevant wound treatment frameworks. [Figure: see text].