Seeley J, Jensen JL, Hutcherson J. A randomized clinical study comparing a hydrocellular dressing to a hydrocolloid dressing in the management of pressure ulcers. Ostomy/Wound Management 1999;45(6):39-47.

Type of Study: Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial

Type of Wound: Pressure Ulcer 

Abstract
A randomized, parallel group study conducted in a diabetic foot and wound centre comparing a hydrocolloid dressing with ALLEVYN^◊ Adhesive. Forty patients over 18 years of age with one or more Stage II or III pressure ulcer(s) were included in the analysis. Patients were followed for 8 weeks, or until ulcer closure was achieved. The study was conducted over a period of 17 months.

The primary objective of the study was to assess the ease of use of the dressings.

The secondary objective was to asses ulcer appearance, ulcer size, wound odour and pain were recorded and analysed. Dressing wear times were also recorded.

• The hydrocellular dressing was found to compare favourably with the hydrocolloid dressing.
• In terms of ease of use, the hydrocellular dressing was found to be significantly easier to remove (P< 0.001) and quicker to change than the hydrocolloid dressing.
• There were no differences detected in terms of mean wound pain, odour and changes in ulcer appearance and ulcer area.
• Fragmentation or residual adhesion to the skin often caused difficulty with the removal of the hydrocolloid dressing.
• Leakage was significantly lower in wounds managed with ALLEVYN^◊ (1% vs. 8%), and affected only one patient in the ALLEVYN^◊ group, compared with six in the hydrocolloid group.