Rajput HI, Cullingworth L, Dunne T. Comparative evaluation of a hydrocellular foam wound dressing (ALLEVYN^◊) versus a hydrocolloid dressing in chronic lower limb venous ulceration. Association of Surgeons of South Africa Congress, 2000. South African Journal of Surgery 2001

Type of Study: Randomized Controlled Trial

Type of Wound: Venous Leg Ulcers

Abstract
A randomized controlled study of 100 patients, (aged between 18 and 80 years old), attending a venous ulcer clinic, comparing ALLEVYN^◊ and a hydrocolloid dressing. The study was conducted over a period of 20 months.

Granulating ulcers were dressed according to randomization and a compression bandage applied.

Ulcer size was measured at the initial visit and all subsequent visits. The healing process was assessed over an 8-week period.

Analysis was conducted on 81 ulcers less than 25 sq cm.
The primary endpoint of the study was rate of closure.

• ALLEVYN^◊ demonstrated significant superiority in the number of healed venous leg ulcers of less than 25cm² over an 8-week period, 41% vs. 22% respectively (p < 0.05).
• Fewer dressing changes were required in the patients treated with ALLEVYN^◊ dressings. Per ulcer closed: 8.9 dressing changes were required in the ALLEVYN^◊ arm of the study, and 11.1 in the hydrocolloid arm.
• ALLEVYN^◊ was extrapolated as being more cost effective than hydrocolloid dressings in the management of chronic venous ulceration of the leg.