Evaluation of a superabsorbent wound dressing, patient and clinician perspective: a case series

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the fluid management capabilities of a superabsorbent wound dressing (Zetuvit Plus Silicone), with secondary objectives related to parameters that support whether the dressing enables undisturbed healing. Method: This study was an open labelled non-comparative study. Patients included in the study were selected by the clinical investigator(s) according to whether the patient required a dressing for the management of moderately to highly exuding wounds. Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Results related to the primary objective demonstrated that the superabsorbent wound dressing was able to absorb all levels of exudate across the range (low to high). At each assessment time point these results show that in 98% of assessments the superabsorbent dressing was rated as ‘very good’ (91%) or ‘good’ (7%) at exudate management. Secondary objectives relating to wound bed preparation, healing and management of pain were also positive. Additionally, at the end of each patient treatment, the dressing's fluid management capabilities were rated overall as ‘excellent’ (100% of cases). There was little pain associated with the wound or at dressing change throughout the study and its flexibility/conformability allowed for comfort and patient satisfaction aligned with increased quality of life. Additionally, inclusion of a silicone adhesive layer allowed painless and atraumatic removal of the dressing, increasing patient comfort, both during wear and at dressing removal, and supported the description of enabling undisturbed wound healing. Conclusion: The superabsorbent wound dressing achieved the primary objective relating to wound exudate management in all the assessments undertaken in this study. In addition, the silicone interface allowed for undisturbed healing as evidenced by little or no adherence of the dressing to underlying tissue, preventing damage to periwound skin. Overall, the superabsorbent wound dressing with the addition of the silicone interface could offer advantages over other superabsorbent polymer dressings (that might adhere to the wound surface) or silicone wound dressings (that might not have the absorbent properties of this type of dressing).

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of superabsorbent wound dressings in patients with moderate‐to‐highly exuding leg ulcers in Germany

“…For the benefit assessment, we have merged two cohorts of published clinical studies on SAP dressings with patient populations presenting with moderate–to‐highly exuding leg ulcers 14,15 . The total number of patients with reported wound size at the end of the 2‐week follow‐up period was 84.…”

“…The interventions evaluated in this analysis are mix of two SAP dressings (Zetuvit Plus Silicone/Zetuvit Plus Silicone Border, manufacturer HARTMANN GROUP, Germany). To ensure a fair comparison, the dressings mix in clinical trials for SAP dressings 14,15 (at the baseline before switching to SAP) are used as an appropriate SoC dressings mix. The SoC was composed of other superabsorbers (29%), antimicrobials (26%), foams (20%), alginates (5%), and other dressings (19%).…”

“…The risk prediction model was nested in the health state UHS3 to predict how many patients will stay at that health state and how many will transit toward UHS2 based on the following predictors: age, gender, number of wounds, the log of the duration of the wound in months, the log of wound size in mm 2 , and wound grade 22 . The SAP arm was informed based on the outcomes of two clinical studies, and the SoC arm was based on baseline values from the same clinical studies 14,15 …”

Superabsorbent Wound Dressing for Management of Patients With Moderate-to-Highly Exuding Chronic Leg Ulcers: An Early Stage Model-Based Benefit–Harm Assessment

“…We have used a mix of dressings at the baseline, before switching to SAP, from 2 merged UK cohorts of patients who were treated with other superabsorbents in 29% of cases, antimicrobials 26%, foams 20%, alginates 5%, and other dressings 19%. 20,21 In other words, we are comparing SAP with dressings mix composed of all the above-stated dressings, weighted according to their frequency.…”

Chronic wounds in the elderly: Decubitus, leg ulcers, and ulcers of rare aetiology

“…If pronounced exudation occurs in case the lower limb ulcer is accompanied by lymphoedema or in case of decubitus, superabsorbent polymer dressings are preferable. These absorb the exudate, thus protecting the surrounding areas from maceration [12]. Regular moisturising of the skin reduces the possibility of onset of dry skin and consequent eczema on the surrounding skin of the wound.…”