Hydrocolloid vs Gauze Dressings in Treating Pressure Ulcers
Hydrocolloid vs Gauze Dressings in Treating Pressure Ulcers
Objective. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers compared with a traditional gauze dressing.
Methods. Randomized controlled trials were identified by searching PubMed and Web of Science. Outcomes were complete wound healing rate and reduction in wound volume or surface area.
Results. Seven studies with 302 patients (337 pressure ulcers) were included. Hydrocolloid dressings were associated with a statistically significant improvement of complete wound healing rate compared with gauze dressings (Odds ratio = 3.642, 95% Confidence Interval 1.104 to 12.012, z = 2.12, P = 0.034). Possible publication bias exists in this meta-analysis. Three studies also confirmed the hydrocolloid dressing was associated with a statistically significant reduction in wound volume compared with the gauze dressing.
Conclusion. The existent evidence shows that a hydrocolloid dressing is more effective than a gauze dressing for pressure ulcer treatment. Accordingly, the authors suggest that in the treatment of pressure ulcers, traditional gauze dressings should be abandoned.
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, however they remain a common problem for nurses. The overall prevalence rates and facility-acquired pressure ulcer rates were 13.5% and 6% in 2008, and 12.3% and 5% in 2009. In long-term acute care the overall prevalence rates were highest (22%), while in adult intensive care units (ICUs), the facility-acquired rates were highest (ranged 8.8% to 12.1%). Pressure ulcers are painful, result in prolonged hospital stays, and may generate significant additional costs.
Effective strategies to treat pressure ulcers are use of support surfaces, nutritional supplementation, and local wound care by wound dressings, biological agents, and adjunctive therapies. While traditional gauze dressings are the most commonly used in the treatment of pressure ulcers, hydrocolloid dressings are also widely used. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTS) have assessed the efficacy of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of pressure ulcers compared with gauze dressings, the results have been inconsistent between studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of pressure ulcers compared with traditional gauze dressings.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Objective. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers compared with a traditional gauze dressing.
Methods. Randomized controlled trials were identified by searching PubMed and Web of Science. Outcomes were complete wound healing rate and reduction in wound volume or surface area.
Results. Seven studies with 302 patients (337 pressure ulcers) were included. Hydrocolloid dressings were associated with a statistically significant improvement of complete wound healing rate compared with gauze dressings (Odds ratio = 3.642, 95% Confidence Interval 1.104 to 12.012, z = 2.12, P = 0.034). Possible publication bias exists in this meta-analysis. Three studies also confirmed the hydrocolloid dressing was associated with a statistically significant reduction in wound volume compared with the gauze dressing.
Conclusion. The existent evidence shows that a hydrocolloid dressing is more effective than a gauze dressing for pressure ulcer treatment. Accordingly, the authors suggest that in the treatment of pressure ulcers, traditional gauze dressings should be abandoned.
Introduction
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, however they remain a common problem for nurses. The overall prevalence rates and facility-acquired pressure ulcer rates were 13.5% and 6% in 2008, and 12.3% and 5% in 2009. In long-term acute care the overall prevalence rates were highest (22%), while in adult intensive care units (ICUs), the facility-acquired rates were highest (ranged 8.8% to 12.1%). Pressure ulcers are painful, result in prolonged hospital stays, and may generate significant additional costs.
Effective strategies to treat pressure ulcers are use of support surfaces, nutritional supplementation, and local wound care by wound dressings, biological agents, and adjunctive therapies. While traditional gauze dressings are the most commonly used in the treatment of pressure ulcers, hydrocolloid dressings are also widely used. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTS) have assessed the efficacy of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of pressure ulcers compared with gauze dressings, the results have been inconsistent between studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of hydrocolloid dressings in the treatment of pressure ulcers compared with traditional gauze dressings.
