Bioimpedance Measurement for Monitoring Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Chronic wounds decrease patients' quality of life and pose an economic burden on healthcare systems and individuals. Wound assessment tools and monitoring technologies may reduce the costs related to chronic wound management. Bioimpedance has attracted growing attention as a quantitative tool for monitoring chronic ulcers, owing to its proven ability to detect tissue changes throughout the wound healing process. The main objective of this study was to review the state-of-the-art literature on the use of bioimpedance in chronic wound monitoring. A systematic review of literature was performed on the 30th of August 2024 according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science). Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review. Studies on bioimpedance measurements for chronic lower leg wound monitoring were analysed, confirming significant differences in bioimpedance between wound and healthy skin, with changes observed throughout the healing process. The variety of electrode types and setups highlights the method's complexity, with electrode configuration playing a critical role in ensuring accurate results. Several challenges remain before it can be effectively implemented in clinical practice. Our review emphasises the potential usefulness of bioimpedance-based methods in monitoring chronic wounds on the lower legs.