Hydrophilic Polymer and Potassium Ferrate (HPPF) for Hemostasis

Hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate (HPPF) is a quick and effective way to achieve hemostasis after punch biopsies, suggests a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Introduction

Skin biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure commonly performed in dermatology practice. Various methods of skin biopsy exist, and multiple factors are considered in choosing the most appropriate biopsy technique for a given situation. Among the most important factors are location and depth and breadth of sampling. An effort is made to provide the consulting pathologist with as much tissue as clinically reasonable, from a location with the highest chance of diagnostic yield, while causing as little disfigurement and compromise of function to the patient as possible.

Biopsies can be categorized as incisional, in which only a portion of a lesion is sampled, or excisional in which the physician removes all of the visible lesion. An incisional biopsy can be performed as a shave, scissor, curettage, or punch specimen. Excisional biopsy is usually done with a full-thickness scalpel or a deeper oblique (shave or scoop) excision.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy is a procedure in which a small round piece of tissue about the size of a pencil eraser is removed using a sharp, hollow, circular instrument. The tissue is then checked under a microscope for signs of disease. A punch biopsy may be used to check for certain types of cancer, including skin, vulvar, and cervical cancer. It may also be used to check for certain skin conditions and changes that may lead to cancer.

Study on HPPF

Hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate (HPPF) is a hemostatic product sold as a powder in single-use tubes to achieve hemostasis. This retrospective chart review analyzed 73 cases among 46 hospitalized patients who had punch biopsies wherein Hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate was used for hemostasis. There were no complications such as prolonged pain, bleeding, infections, or concerns over scar appearance.

Thus, the study concluded that Hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate is a quick and effective way to achieve hemostasis after punch biopsies. It may be especially useful in patients with compromised hemostasis due to an underlying condition or medication.

Reference

Victor Wu, et al. A Retrospective Analysis of Hydrophilic Polymer and Potassium Ferrate as a Well Tolerated Alternative to Suture for 4mm Punch Biopsies in Hospitalized Patients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. August 05, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2022.08.007

Keywords

• HPPF
• quick
• effective
• way
• achieve
• hemostasis
• punch biopsies
• Hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate
• Victor Wu
• Jaimie Lin
• Jawaher Assed
• Emily Altman
• John R. Durkin
• hydrophilic polymer
• Woundseal
• wound healing
• potassium ferrate
• biopsy