title: Superabsorbent dressings  for copiously exuding wounds.
abstract: Exudate control is important in the management of both acute and chronic wounds. A new category of absorbent dressings that contain superabsorbent particles promises high absorbency. The aim of this multicentre, prospective, non-comparative observational study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and absorbent capacity of a superabsorbent dressing. Fifteen inpatients and outpatients with highly exuding wounds were included. Most patients (n=8) (53%) had chronic wounds; 20% (n=3) had ulcerating tumours. The superabsorbent dressing was used as a primary or a secondary dressing. Assessment was on day 0 (start), day 3 and day 7 (end of study). The study looked at wound bed and periwound skin condition, exudate production, pain upon dressing removal, reason for dressing removal, and frequency of dressing changes. A clinical visual scoring tool was used, together with digital photographs, which were assessed by the same experienced clinician. All 15 patients completed the study, during which no adverse events were noted. At day 7, maceration had reduced from 46.7% (n=7) at day 0 to 6.7% (n=1). After only 3 days, dressing change frequency was reduced from once daily to twice weekly in 80% (n=12) of patients. The superabsorbent dressing seems to reduce complications associated with exudate production, stimulate wound healing and increase patient comfort; it may also save time and costs for caregivers.
authors.affiliation: Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, France.
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Faucher
authors.forename: Helene
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Safar
authors.forename: Mylène
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baret
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Philippe
authors.forename: Rachida
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Farid
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D001458:Bandages; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*