Study of Genetic and Epigenetic Factors in Chronic Wounds in Adults 18 to 100 Years

What this Trial Is About

Chronic wounds that do not heal quickly often have unique genetic signatures. This research aims to study these genetic patterns by analyzing tissue removed from wounds as part of routine care and comparing it with genetic information from blood samples. The goal is to better understand how wound-specific genetic changes affect healing and to explore the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in wound repair. Participants in this observational study will be followed for about 16 weeks. Tissue samples from wound debridement will be collected when possible during standard wound care visits. The study includes four visits at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 16 or earlier if the wound heals sooner. At the first visit, information such as medical history, demographics, and samples of saliva and blood will be collected, along with digital images of the wound. Subsequent visits involve additional imaging, medication reviews, adverse event monitoring, and transepidermal water loss measurements at the final visit. Throughout the study, participants will complete health questionnaires and undergo regular assessments to monitor wound healing progress. Researchers will measure genetic and epigenetic changes in the wound tissue, comparing healing and non-healing phases. The study focuses on identifying key genetic factors that influence healing outcomes. Participation involves multiple visits over several weeks, with ongoing evaluation of tissue samples, imaging, and health status to better understand chronic wound healing.

Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Chronic Wounds