References
Clinical performance and quality of life impact of an absorbent bacteria-binding foam dressing
Abstract
The aim of this prospective multicentre observational study was to assess the clinical performance and safety of Cutimed® Siltec® Sorbact® absorbent bacteria-binding foam dressing in wound healing and its impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). The study was conducted under routine clinical conditions in 5 study sites in Germany and Poland. Each patient with a venous leg ulcer (VLU) or a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) was observed for 28 days (initial visit and close-out visit, as well as 3 control visits). An assessment of QoL of the patient was undertaken before and after the study. Sixty-two patients were included in the statistical analysis. Clinicians rated the following assessment parameters in relation to Cutimed Siltec Sorbact dressings as ‘very good’ to ‘good’: wearing comfort (rated by the patient), application and removal, exudate absorption with or without compression and fluid retention capacity with or without compression and infection management. The use of Cutimed Siltec Sorbact dressing was beneficial in absorbing wound exudate (chi-square=28.45,
Wound healing is a complex process. Chronic or hard-to-heal wounds are typically defined as wounds that do not heal in an orderly set of stages or within a predicted timeframe (within 3 months) (Vuolo, 2009). There are often underlying medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, infection, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, advancing age and immobility. Hard-to-heal wounds include arterial leg ulcers (ALUs), venous leg ulcers (VLUs), diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and pressure ulcers.
VLUs are the most common type of leg ulcer (Vuolo, 2009), accounting for 70% to 90% of all leg ulcers (Briggs and Closs, 2003). Signs of VLUs include pitting oedema and haemosiderin staining (hyperpigmentation).
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes may have high plasma glucose levels leading to blood vessel and nerve damage (Bhat et al, 2017). The nerve damage and poor circulation observed in diabetic patients may lead to the development of a foot ulcer. It has been suggested that 1 in 7 diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime (Reiber, 2001) and good diabetic control is essential to prevent ulcers. If an ulcer is present, it is necessary to prevent it from becoming infected because infection can lead to amputation and long-term disability (Edmonds and Foster, 2006). There are many causes attributed to DFUs such as peripheral arterial disease, diabetic neuropathy and other mechanical forces (pressure, friction and shear).
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting British Journal of Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Limited access to clinical or professional articles
-
Unlimited access to the latest news, blogs and video content