Clinical performance of a new silver dressing, Contreet Foam, for chronic exuding venous leg ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and performance of a new sustained silver-releasing dressing, Contreet Foam (Coloplast A/S), in the treatment of moderately to highly exuding chronic venous leg ulcers in which healing is delayed due to the presence of bacteria.


METHODS
The clinical performance of Contreet Foam was studied for four weeks in 25 patients with moderately to highly exuding delayed-healing venous leg ulcers. Healing was assessed on a weekly basis with reference to the wound-bed tissue composition, degree of odour and pain, dressing performance and the dressing's effect on the peri-ulcer area. Blood samples were analysed for silver content.


RESULTS
Twenty-three out of 25 patients completed the study. One ulcer healed and no wound infections occurred during the study period. A mean 56% reduction in ulcer area (from 15.6 to 6.9 cm2) was recorded during the four weeks, and there was a mean 25% reduction in granulation tissue from dull to healthy after one week. Wound odour reduced significantly after one week. Mean dressing wear time was 3.1 days, and there were only minimal incidences of leakage. Serum silver levels did not exceed reference values.


CONCLUSIONS
Contreet Foam was found to be safe and performed well when used in the treatment of delayed-healing chronic venous leg ulcers, combining effective antibacterial properties with excellent exudate management.


BACKGROUND
This study was supported by Coloplast A/S, Humlebaek, Denmark.
Karlsmark
T
T
Wound Healing Centre, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Agerslev
R H
RH
Bendz
S H
SH
Larsen
J R
JR
Roed-Petersen
J
J
Andersen
K E
KE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003102:Colloids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D018030:Silver Compounds / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000451:nursing*; D014945:Wound Healing
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003102:Colloids; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018030:Silver Compounds