The successful healing effect of local Taurolidine irrigation for treating deep pressure ulcers: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2025 Feb 19;19(1):63. doi: 10.1186/s13256-025-05094-5.

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers, particularly stage III and IV lesions, pose a significant healthcare challenge owing to their high morbidity, economic burden, and recalcitrance to conventional therapies. Current management often includes systemic antibiotics, debridement, and advanced wound dressings, yet outcomes remain suboptimal in many cases. Innovative approaches to wound care are needed to address this gap.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 17-year-old Iranian paraplegic male with a stage III sacral pressure ulcer complicated by an underlying abscess and exposed bone. Despite systemic antibiotics, regular debridement, and dressing changes, the ulcer failed to heal. The introduction of serial Taurolidine irrigation, combined with limited application of cryopreserved human amniotic membrane, resulted in progressive wound granulation and complete reepithelialization within 2 months. The patient experienced no adverse effects and maintained complete healing at follow-ups up to 1 year.

Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of Taurolidine as a novel antiseptic and wound-healing agent for recalcitrant pressure ulcers. Taurolidine irrigation demonstrated efficacy in achieving complete ulcer healing, suggesting its role as a promising therapeutic option for challenging wound infections.

Keywords: Chronic non-healing wounds; Pressure ulcers; Taurolidine; Wound care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amnion / transplantation
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local* / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local* / therapeutic use
  • Debridement
  • Humans
  • Imines
  • Male
  • Pressure Ulcer* / drug therapy
  • Pressure Ulcer* / therapy
  • Taurine* / administration & dosage
  • Taurine* / analogs & derivatives
  • Taurine* / therapeutic use
  • Therapeutic Irrigation* / methods
  • Thiadiazines* / administration & dosage
  • Thiadiazines* / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing* / drug effects

Substances

  • taurolidine
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Thiadiazines
  • Taurine
  • Imines