A randomized, controlled study to compare the effectiveness of two foam dressings in the management of lower leg ulcers

Abstract

Foam dressings are commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds, including lower leg ulcers. A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted to compare the use of two nonadhesive polyurethane foam dressings - a polyurethane foam and a hydrocellular dressing -in the management of patients with moderately to highly exuding venous or venous/arterial lower leg ulcers. One hundred, eighteen patients were recruited and 99 (64 men, 35 women) were treated until healing or for a maximum of 8 weeks. In the polyurethane group, 34% of ulcers healed during a mean study time of 7 (+ 1.7) weeks. In the hydrocellular dressing group, 39% of ulcers healed (mean study time 6.9 [+1.6] weeks). The number of dressing changes per week was significantly lower in the polyurethane foam (mean 2.14) than in the hydrocelluar group (mean 3.34)(P < 0.005). Dressing absorbency was rated excellent in 124 of 163 polyurethane foam, compared to 12 of 170 dressing changes in the hydrocellular dressing group (P < 0.005). Both dressings were comfortable to wear, the level of pain during dressing changes was low, and the level of odor was similar in the two patient groups. Results of this study suggest that foam dressings possess varying levels of absorbency which may affect wear time, dressing leakage, and cost.