Opportunities for Optimizing Chronic Wound Management in a Pharmacy Setting

This study aimed to identify solutions that could make semi-solid magistral preparations more effective, safer, and more patient-centered in the treatment of chronic wounds. First, the three semi-solid bases most commonly used in pharmacy practice were prepared. Subsequently, their physicochemical properties, including viscosity, consistency, and pH, were evaluated. In addition, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based application was developed to support personalized treatment. The application classifies wounds into four groups based on their appearance and then assigns an appropriate pH range according to wound severity, thereby assisting in the adjustment of the pH of the preparations. The pH of chronic wounds varies with wound severity and often differs from the physiological pH of healthy skin. By estimating wound pH using AI, it becomes possible during pharmaceutical compounding to adjust the pH of the formulation to a level that is more conducive to wound healing. Our results indicate that the characteristics of the semi-solid base should be considered in the treatment of chronic wounds, as, in addition to the active ingredient, they may influence therapeutic efficacy and support the healing process. The application developed to estimate wound-associated pH ranges achieved an 84% accuracy rate in wound classification, which is encouraging. Nevertheless, it should be regarded solely as a decision-support tool intended to facilitate the evaluation process, while the final clinical decision remains the responsibility of the attending physician and pharmacist.