title: Enzymatic debridement for necrotic wounds.
abstract: In a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial, a comparison was made of the relative efficacy of using streptokinase/streptodornase (Varidase) in a hydrogel (KY Jelly) or the hydrogel alone in the debridement of Grade IV pressure sores. Seventeen subjects aged 57-94 years (mean age 81) took part; 21 sores were studied, 11 of which were randomised to the enzyme treatment regime. Both treatments led to eschar removal; fewer days were needed in the hydrogel-only group (mean 8.1 days, sd 1.8) compared to the enzyme/hydrogel group (mean 11.8 days, sd 2.9), but this was not statistically significant. The results suggest that the use of hydrogel alone may be a cost-effective alternative to the use of streptokinase/streptodornase and hydrogel in the treatment of these wounds.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Corrado
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kay
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D009336:Necrosis; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013299:Streptodornase and Streptokinase / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D013299:Streptodornase and Streptokinase