Baker NR, Creevy J. A randomized comparative pilot study to evaluate ALLEVYN^◊ Hydrocellular dressings and Sorbsan Calcium-Alginate dressings in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Smith & Nephew Poster Presentation. Data on File. 

Type of Study: Randomized Controlled Trial (Pilot Study) 

Type of Wound: Diabetic Foot Ulcers 

Abstract
Nineteen patients with neuropathic foot ulcers were randomized to receive treatment with ALLEVYN^◊ or an alginate dressing.

Patients were assessed over a 12 week period,or until the ulcer healed.

Assessment was made in the Diabetic Foot Clinic at weekly intervals. If required, intermediate dressing changes were performed in the community setting.

The primary objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of ALLEVYN^◊ compared to an alginate dressing.

Time to closure was compared between the two treatment groups using Cox’s proportional Hazards Model. Absorbency, non-adherence and ease of removal were statistically analyzed.

• After 12 weeks 90% of the ulcers managed with ALLEVYN^◊ had closed compared to only 44% in the alginate group.
• The rate of closure was significantly faster with ALLEVYN^◊ (p=0.027). The median time to healing was 28 days with ALLEVYN^◊ and greater than 84 days with the alginate dressing.
• ALLEVYN^◊ Hydrocellular was significantly more absorbent than the alginate dressing (p= 0.001).
• The ALLEVYN^◊ dressings were less adherent to the wound and were significantly easier to remove (p=0.011) than the alginate dressing.