A Breakthrough in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) Measurement: The TEWA-Hex Device
A groundbreaking multi-sensor open chamber water evaporation device, TEWA-Hex, has been evaluated in both a controlled study and an Antarctic expedition. Led by Dr. Razvigor Darlenski (MD, PhD), Dr. Georg Wiora (PhD), Dr. Dessyslava G. Nikolaeva, and Dr. Joachim W. Fluhr (MD), this study marks a significant advancement in epidermal barrier assessment technology.
Background and Objectives
Since Nilsson’s introduction of TEWL measurement technology in 1977, minimal modifications have been made to instrumentation techniques. However, recent advances in sensor development have enabled novel designs and innovative data evaluation methods, allowing for more accurate skin assessments. The TEWA-Hex device introduces a new generation of probes that utilize an array of 30 sensors instead of the conventional two, employing spatial statistical analysis of raw measurement values.
The primary objective of this in vivo study was to compare the performance of TEWA-Hex against the well-established TM300 probe for epidermal barrier function assessment. The key endpoint was to determine the equivalence and comparability of the TEWA-Hex to the TM300.
Methodology
A controlled study was conducted on 24 healthy volunteers of both genders. Baseline measurements were taken on the volar forearm, followed by repeated assessments at eight different anatomical locations using both the TEWA-Hex and the TM300 probes. Additionally, real-life data were gathered during an Antarctic expedition, assessing the TEWA-Hex’s performance under extreme environmental conditions.
Key Findings
The study demonstrated an excellent correlation (p<0.001; R-coefficient=0.9) between TEWA-Hex and the TM300. Furthermore, the coefficient of variance (CV) for TEWA-Hex was 11%, significantly lower than the 19% recorded for TM300, indicating more consistent measurements. The variability across different anatomical locations ranged between 7% (right inner upper arm) and 14% (palms). Notably, the TEWA-Hex delivered robust and reliable results even under the extreme conditions of the Antarctic expedition.
Conclusion
The TEWA-Hex probe has proven to be a highly reliable and accurate tool for assessing epidermal barrier function. The strong correlation with the TM300, coupled with enhanced precision and robustness in various conditions, suggests that TEWA-Hex is not only comparable but in many scenarios superior to existing TEWL measurement probes. This advancement paves the way for more precise dermatological and clinical research, ultimately improving skin barrier assessment methodologies.
Research Team
- Dr. Razvigor Darlenski, MD, PhD (Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria & Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria)
- Dr. Georg Wiora, PhD (Courage & Khazaka GmbH, Cologne, Germany)
- Dr. Dessyslava G. Nikolaeva (Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria)
- Dr. Joachim W. Fluhr, MD (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin & Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Berlin, Germany)
This study represents a significant step forward in TEWL measurement technology, offering new possibilities for dermatological research and clinical applications worldwide.