Use of a hydrocapillary dressing in the management of highly exuding ulcers: a comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and performance of Alione Hydrocapillary dressing (Coloplast A/S) in the management of highly exuding chronic venous leg ulcers and compare it with two hydropolymer dressings,Tielle and Tielle Plus (Johnson & Johnson).


METHODS
A comparative clinical trial was conducted on 97 patients with an ankle brachial pressure index > or = 0.8 and a highly exuding leg ulcer. Ulcer duration was at least four weeks. Treatment continued until healing or for a maximum of 12 months.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in healing time or wound area reduction between the two treatment protocols. The test dressing (Alione Hydrocapillary) had better absorption capacity and was more comfortable for the patients than the comparator dressings (Tielle/Tielle Plus) and adhered less to the wound bed.Also, more patients preferred the test dressing to their previous treatment. Although severe leakage and maceration were observed more frequently in the comparator group compared with the test group, this was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Both treatment protocols were safe and effective in treating highly exuding chronic venous leg ulcers. The test dressing performed as well as or better than the comparator dressings for all study parameters and more patients preferred the test dressing to their previous dressing compared with the comparator dressings.
Norkus
A
A
Laboratory of Diabetes, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania.
Dargis
V
V
Thomsen
J K
JK
Harding
K G
KG
Ivins
N
N
Serra
N
N
Torres de Castro
O G
OG
Galindo
A
A
Andersen
K E
KE
Roed-Petersen
J
J
Gottrup
F
F
Blanco
J L
JL
de Mena
M A
MA
Hauschild
A
A
Moll
I
I
Svensson
A
A
Carter
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid / Q000009:adverse effects; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome