Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “DRESSINGS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

Efficacy of modern dressings in the treatment of leg ulcers: a systematic review.

Healing of leg ulcers constitutes a major clinical problem. Local methods for accelerating the healing process include modern wound dressings, but it is unclear what impact these dressings have on ulcer healing. This study examines the collective evidence on the effectiveness of modern dressings in the treatment of leg ulcers. To this end, a meta-analysis was conducted covering randomized clinical trials identified following a systematic review of the literature in different databases. Estimates of effect were calculated according to the fixed effects model. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria (26 on ulcers of venous etiology, 5 on ulcers of mixed or poorly differentiated etiology). We found no study that exclusively addressed arterial ulcers. Although studies displayed considerable methodological limitations, analysis showed no significant differences in terms of the proportion of healed ulcers or reduction in wound size for both modern and conventional dressings. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the different modern dressings compared in the studies. Thus, the current medical literature is poor in supporting the use of modern dressings to improve the healing rate of leg ulcers. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether the choice of any specific dressing type affects the healing course of these ulcers. Well-conducted trials are warranted to reliably address this question.

Bandages↗

In vitro method to assess the antimicrobial activity and potential efficacy of novel types of wound dressings.

AIMS: To develop a simple, reproducible in vitro static diffusion method using cellulose disks and defined species to test antimicrobial efficacy of wound dressings. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cellulose disks were inoculated by immersion in cell suspensions of target species Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Test and control wound dressings were cut into equal sized squares (25 x 25 mm) and applied to the surface of 10-mm thick tryptone yeast extract agar on test beds. Following a 2-h equilibration period, inoculated cellulose disks were inserted (one per dressing) at the interface between dressing and agar surface and a small weight applied over each square. At various sampling times, disks were removed and surviving cells enumerated by viable counts. Disk to disk variation for microbial loading was assessed using S. epidermidis for both initial (n = 16) and standard treatment (n = 16) conditions. The coefficient of variation was low (<5%) indicating good reproducibility for cell loading and treatment position on the test bed. Replicate assays (n = 6) using S. epidermidis and oxyzyme gels produced similar kill rates with low scatter (R2 > 0.9) indicating good reproducibility between assays. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in kill rates were observed for different target species, types of dressing and test bed conditions (+/-blood and nutrients). CONCLUSIONS: The method is reproducible and useful in tracking the death kinetics of test species, enabling the comparison of different types of dressing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The reported method has significant advantages over established test procedures; it can be applied equally across a wide range of target species (including anaerobes and yeasts), a wide range of conditions, and different types of surface dressings, including those relying upon oxygen diffusion.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

In vitro efficacy of a polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated gauze dressing against bacteria found in veterinary patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)-impregnated gauze dressing in limiting the growth of bacteria both within and underneath the dressing. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study. METHODS: Squares of PHMB-impregnated and control gauze were placed on agar plates inoculated with 1 of 11 bacterial species, including 8 multi-resistant organisms. Growth under the gauze was assessed qualitatively after 24-hour incubation. Repeated use of sponges was used to evaluate residual inhibitory activity against Micrococcus lutea and Staphylococcus schleiferi ss. schleiferi. In a second procedure, PHMB-impregnated and control gauze squares were placed in sterile plastic wells and inoculated with 1 of 5 bacterial species, including Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. Inhibition of bacterial growth within and underneath the dressing after 24-hour incubation was evaluated by quantifying the numbers of bacteria on the well floor and within each square. RESULTS: PHMB-impregnated gauze provided greater inhibition of growth of 4/4 Gram-positive species and 2/6 Gram-negative species on inoculated plates compared with control gauze. Residual inhibitory activity of PHMB-impregnated gauze was significantly greater against M. lutea on all days and against S. schleiferi ss. schleiferi on days 1 and 4 compared with control. No bacteria were recovered from inoculated PHMB-impregnated gauze squares placed in sterile wells or from the well floor underneath. More than 9 x 10(5) colony-forming units (CFU) were recovered from inoculated control samples placed in sterile wells and more than 8.4 x 10(4) CFU were recovered from control well floors. CONCLUSION: PHMB-impregnated gauze dressing, when placed on inoculated agar plates, reduces growth of underlying bacteria, particularly Gram-positive species. Wet-inoculated PHMB-impregnated dressing prevents growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria both within and underneath the dressing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PHMB-impregnated dressings may be useful for reducing contamination of underlying wounds by bacterial pathogens.

Animals↗

Acute surgical wound care. 3: Fitting the dressing to the wound.

The third article in this series on surgical wound care discusses the types of dressings currently available, and selection of the correct dressing for a particular wound type. There is an abundance of information on the types of dressings available. Wound management for the individual patient must be decided using best evidence and taking into account patients' increased involvement in their care, new technology and the push to mobilize early, leading to early discharge from hospital. The nurse needs to have a good knowledge of the types of dressings available, the properties of individual dressings and a sound understanding of wound healing, in order to make an informed decision on wound management. General factors such as safety, comfort, pain management and convenience must be borne in mind when deciding which dressing is the best for individual patients, given that dressings now have to be cost-effective as well as clinically effective.

Bandages↗

The supply of dressings by hospital pharmacy departments in Wales.

A research project to examine the dressings and wound management materials supplied by pharmacy departments in Wales was carried out. Data were collected from the NHS computer database, which contains information on 17 hospitals, servicing 80-90% of the Welsh population. Over a 12-month period, hospital pharmacy departments throughout Wales issued dressings and related materials costing 2.1 m Pounds. As not all pharmacy departments supply the full range of dressings used in hospitals, and only one issues surgical sutures, this sum probably represents less than half of the total expenditure in Wales on this commodity group. Existing methods for recording the issue of dressings do not provide reliable information either on the range of products used or the total quantities issued throughout Wales. Despite expectations to the contrary, hospital use of dressings did not appear to have a major influence over prescribing patterns in the primary sector. The amount of cavity wound dressings that are supplied on an outpatient basis suggests a real need for these items to be available in the community. (Since completion of this study, cavity wound dressings have been added to the Drug Tariff.)

Bandages↗

A comparison of hydrofibre and alginate dressings on open acute surgical wounds.

This study aimed to compare the performance of a hydrofibre (Aquacel) and an alginate (Sorbsan) dressing on acute surgical wounds left to heal by secondary intention. A total of 100 patients were prospectively randomised pre-operatively to receive either the hydrofibre or the alginate dressing. Dressing performance was measured at operation, at 24 hours and seven days. Parameters measured included ease of: application and removal of the first dressing; re-application on the first postoperative day; and removal and re-application one week postoperatively. The hydrofibre dressing received higher scores for all of these categories. Patients in this group also experienced less pain (mild or none) on removal of the first dressing and at one week. However, these results did not achieve statistical significance, and should be seen as a trend. Nevertheless, the authors recommend the use of hydrofibre dressings on open acute surgical wounds.

Acute Disease↗

Exploring the use of an alginate dressing for diabetic foot ulcers.

Few studies have investigated the use of dressings on patients with diabetic foot ulceration. This paper reports the results of a non-comparative, two-centre study investigating the performance characteristics of SeaSorb dressing in patients with this condition. This was an exploratory study to determine the potential use of this dressing, and not a large randomised control trial. All patients had diabetic foot ulceration of 1 cm or more in diameter, classified as Wagner grade I or II, with an ankle brachial pressure index of > 0.4. The investigators carried out objective assessments including photography and ulcer tracing as well as subjective assessments of exudate levels, wound bed condition, peri-ulcer skin condition, ease of application and removal of the dressing, dressing conformability, discomfort during dressing application and removal, and clinical signs of infection. Investigators recruited 41 patients in two sites (31 in site one and 10 in site two). Of these, the findings relating to 39 patients could be evaluated. The patients were treated for a maximum of six weeks or until the ulcer healed. The study found that 28.2% (11/39) of the ulcers healed within the six-week period. Overall, there was a significant reduction in mean ulcer area from 2.8 cm 2 to 1.02 cm 2 from week 0 to week six. The relative ulcer area showed a significant decrease from 100% to 33%. For patients who experienced ulcer pain (11 patients), its intensity decreased over the six weeks. Severe maceration was not reported for any patient throughout the study. Six patients required treatment for infection. A total of 12 adverse events were reported: seven mild to moderate and five severe. None were directly attributed to the study dressing.

Adult↗

A histological comparison of acute inflammatory responses with a hydrofibre or tulle gauze dressing.

OBJECTIVE: This study analysed the physical properties of Aquacel hydrofibre dressing in rat partial-thickness wounds, focusing on the acute inflammatory infiltrate of granulocytes and macrophages in the wound and the dressing. METHOD: Partial-thickness wounds (2 x 2 cm) were made on the back of 60 anaesthetised male Wistar rats and covered with Aquacel (n = 30) and tulle gauze (n = 30). The rats were killed on postoperative days one, two, three, four, seven and 10 (10 animals per day and five per dressing). Re-epithelialisation and Polymorphonuclear (PMN), fibronectin and macrophage activity were then analysed. RESULTS: PMN leucocytes (granulocytes) were captured in the dressing and remained active there, resulting in a reduced number in the wounds when compared with tulle gauze. A fibrin layer formed between the dressing and the wound, creating a physical barrier. Macrophages infiltrated the wound bed but could not be detected in the dressing. Little inflammation was observed in the wound bed and the macrophages operated primarily in the repair mode. Active PMNs in the dressing provided an appropriate antimicrobial environment. Tulle materials became embedded in wounds and were associated with a more disturbed pattern of epithelial outgrowth. Aquacel stayed 'on top' of wounds, with only minimal incorporation into the superficial epidermis. CONCLUSION: The observations of the physical properties of different materials and their histological consequences correlate well with published clinical results, particularly in relation to the speed of re-epithelialisation and the level of scarring.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Evaluation of a new composite dressing for the management of chronic leg ulcer wounds.

OBJECTIVES: A new composite dressing (Versiva, ConvaTec) combines three technologies: hydrocolloid, hydrofibre and a foam-film layer. This study aimed to assess the safety of the dressing in the management of patients with venous leg ulcers. Clinical performance was also assessed. METHOD: This multicentre, non-randomised, open-label, phase II study assessed the safety (via adverse-effect reporting) and performance, including weartime, absorption, dressing integrity, ease of use and wound progression, of Versiva. Up to 10 dressing changes were assessed within a five-week study period. RESULTS: In 75 dressing changes of 11 ulcers, the mean wear time was approximately five days. No or minimal leakage was observed in 81% of changes. In 93%, the dressing was 'very easy' to remove, with no trauma to surrounding skin. Most changes (77%) were painless. CONCLUSION: Versiva met or exceeded the investigators' expectations for exudate absorption, protection of peri-wound skin and reduction in wound pain and ulcer area. Healing or marked improvement was observed in 82% of leg ulcers within the five-week study. The relatively long wear-time of five days represents a cost-effective advantage for this dressing compared with other available adhesive foams for the management of chronic wounds.

Adult↗

Effect of a sustained silver-releasing dressing on ulcers with delayed healing: the CONTOP study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of the sustained silver-releasing foam dressing Contreet Foam (ColoplastA/S) with local best practice (LBP) on delayed healing ulcers using a real-life setting. METHOD: A total of 619 patients with ulcers of varying aetiologies were treated for four weeks with either the silver foam dressing or LBP. RESULTS: Wound area was reduced by 50% with the silver foam and 34% with LBP Less slough and maceration, a faster reduction in exudate level and more positive wound progress was achieved with the silver foam. In addition, exudate handling, ease of use, odour and pain improved. Less time was spent on dressing changes, and mean wear time was longer for the silver foam (3.1 days) than for LBP (2.1 days). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The silver foam dressing outperformed all of the other dressing categories including moist wound healing products and other silver dressings. CONCLUSION: This large-scale comparative real-life study shows that the silver foam dressing supports faster healing of delayed healing wounds.

Aged↗

Effect of calcium alginate dressings on partial-thickness wounds in swine.

The epithelization of partial-thickness wounds (PTW) has been shown to be enhanced with the use of moisture-retentive dressings (MRD), and not with nonmoisture-retentive dressings (NMRD) like gauze. This study was designed to explore this effect using two different alginate products with and without MRDs. We evaluated these alginate dressings under a polyurethane film dressing (FMRD) and under an NMRD gauze. They were compared to hydrocolloid moisture-retentive dressings (HMRD). Twelve PTW measuring 22 x 22 x 0.5 mm were made on the dorsum of six swine with a Castroviejo dermatome. Return of the epithelial barrier function was measured with an EP1 ServoMed evaporimeter. On postoperative day 4, the first alginate product under the NMRD and under the FMRD had a significantly slower healing rate than the HMRDs. By postoperative day 7, the second alginate product under the NMRD had a poorer rate of epidermal wound healing than the HMRD. Our results indicate that these alginate products have a satisfactory partial-thickness wound healing capability when used under MRDs. When used under MRDs, the return of the epithelial barrier function is delayed, indicating that these dressings should not be used on dry wounds or under gauze dressings.

Alginates↗

[The effects of self-selected music on anxiety and pain during burn dressing changes].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music therapy on state anxiety and pain among patients undergoing burn dressing changes. METHOD: A convenience sample of 32 adult burn patients who were eligible and provided consent were included in the study which was a quasi-experimental study of a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Fifteen patients in the control group received the routine burn dressing changes but 17 patients in the experimental group listened to self-selected music through headphones connected to a CD player during burn dressing changes for three days. All subjects of the music group chose the type of music that would relax them. Before and after burn dressing changes, subjects completed the State Anxiety Inventory and self-report of pain scores. RESULT: There was a significant reduction in state anxiety before and after burn dressing changes in those who received music therapy in contrast to those who did not receive music therapy. The music group reported lower pain scores before and after burn dressing changes than did the non-music group. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that music therapy composed of self-selected music is a valuable intervention for the treatment of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing burn dressing changes.

Adult↗

Evidence-based physicians' dressing: a crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of physicians' dress on patient confidence and trust. DESIGN: A prospective crossover trial involving physicians dressed in "respectable" versus "retro" attire. SETTING: A general medicine ward at a tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 12 male general physicians and 1680 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient trust and confidence as measured by a questionnaire mailed after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Formal attire was correlated with higher patient confidence and trust. Nose rings were particularly deleterious to patients' reported trust and confidence. A minimum threshold of two items of formal attire (dress pants, dress shirt, tie, or white coat) were necessary to inspire a reasonable amount of confidence; this is the NND (number needed to dress). CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the need for more research into the effects of physician dress, and coin the term "evidence-based dressing".

Clothing↗

Comparison of two different time interval protocols for central venous catheter dressing in bone marrow transplant patients: results of a randomized, multicenter study. The Italian Nurse Bone Marrow Transplant Group (GITMO).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Care of central venous catheter (CVC) in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) raises significant problems related to the high risk of local infections due to the immunodeficient status, which in itself is a predisposing factor for systemic blood-stream infections. Although frequent changes of CVC dressing might theoretically reduce the incidence of infections, they are also accompanied by significant skin toxicity and patient discomfort. No study has yet addressed these points. The objective of this study was to compare two different time interval protocols for CVC dressing in order to assess the effects on local infections and toxicity. DESIGN AND METHODS: In a multicenter study, 399 bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients with a tunneled CVC (Group A, 230 pts) or a non-tunneled one (Group B, 169 pts) were randomly allocated to receive CVC dressing changes every 5 or 10 days, if belonging to Group A, or 2 or 5 days, if in Group B. Transparent, impermeable polyurethane dressings were used for all patients. The rate of local infections at the site of CVC insertion was assessed by microbiological assays every 10 days, while the severity of skin toxicity was measured according to the ECOG scale. RESULTS: Sixty-five per cent of enrolled patients were finally evaluable. Patients (in both Groups) receiving CVC dressing changes at longer intervals did not show a significant increase in the rate of local infections, while those who received dressing every 2 days had a significant increase in local skin toxicity. Longer intervals were accompanied by a reduction in costs. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the increase in time interval between CVC dressing changes in BMT patients did not raise the risk of local infections, while significantly reducing patient discomfort and costs.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

Surgical hip dressings: a comparison of taping methods.

PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of two methods of preventing blister formation under the taped portion of postoperative hip surgical dressings. DESIGN: Comparative intervention study. SAMPLE: Convenience sample of 148 consecutive hip surgery patients in two Connecticut community hospitals. METHODS: Patients were preoperatively assigned to one of two postoperative surgical hip dressing taping methods or to the control group. The experimental group had the surgical dressing taped to either a hydrocolloid barrier or a nonhydrocolloid barrier 1-inch circumferentially around the surgical incision with the control group having the dressing taped directly to the skin. FINDINGS: The research results found that taping the surgical dressing to a hydrocolloid barrier prevented blister formation. There were no blisters in either experimental group, but evidence of nonblanchable erythema on two patients in the nonhydrocolloid barrier group. CONCLUSION: Taping of postoperative surgical hip dressings to a hydrocolloid barrier is superior to taping directly to skin or to a nonhydrocolloid barrier. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING RESEARCH: A larger scale study to examine potential factors that might place patients at high risk for blister formation is needed. This would aid in identification of patients that would benefit from different surgical dressing taping methods.

Adhesives↗

Mechanisms of dressing apraxia: a case study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the neural mechanisms that differentiate dressing apraxia from other forms of apraxia such as ideomotor apraxia. Hypotheses examined included (1) that dressing is more sensitive to alternations in body schema, (2) that dressing is a demanding bimanual task, and (3) that clothing represents a particularly complex spatial problem. BACKGROUND: A focal degenerative condition can specifically target a function such as dressing, allowing a unique approach to its study. METHOD: A case study of the cognitive impairments of a 75-year-old man who presented with progressive dressing difficulties in the absence of neglect or motor disturbances. RESULTS: Neuropsychologic testing indicated possible executive function deficits as well as visuospatial and visuocontructional deficits, but intact praxic skills, verbal abilities, and visual recognition skills. In addition, testing revealed no evidence of Balint's or impairments in body schema. CONCLUSION: Overall, the test results suggested that visuospatial dysfunction is the underlying deficit in dressing apraxia. The present case study confirmed the independence of praxic functioning from spatial ability and conversely, the dependence of dressing on spatial ability.

Aged↗

[Experimental studies of new Polish hydrogel dressing materials HDR].

Recently the spectrum of dressings was enriched, incorporating the so-called hydrogel dressing, made by Geistlich Sons Ltd. and Byk Goldbin-Konstanz referred to as "Geliperm". In Poland, HDR hydrogel dressings' technology was launched by Institute of Radiative Technology, Lódź+ Polytechnic. This type of dressing is obtained by radiative cross-linking of hydrophilic polymers. The experimental studies of the new Polish hydrogel materials were accomplished at the Department of Experimental Surgery and Biomaterials Research, the Chair of traumatologic Surgery, Medical Academy of Wrocław. These studies concerned three kinds of hydrogel dressings, different in composition and irradiation conditions. HDR-1 10% of polyvinylpyrrolidone+, 1.5% of agar, 1.5% of polyethylene glycol 300, irradiated with 30 kGy (gamma radiation of 60Co); HDR-1 with neomycin--formula as above plus neomycin sulfate (2.5%); HDR-2 6% of polyvinylpyrrolidone++, 1% of agar, 1.5% of polyethylene glycol 300, irradiated with 25-27 kGy (gamma radiation of 60Co). The usable properties of the HDR dressings approximate those of the West German products. Owing to the lab tests, biological and in vitro examinations we had performed, it was possible to state that aqueous extracts of the hydrogel dressings subjected to assessment did'nt exhibit hemolytical or toxic activities in cellular tests, at the same time lacking an irritating effect. They cause a minimal tissular reaction and accelerate the process of healing.

Agar↗

Methods of arterial site skin preparation and dressing.

Before an arterial line is inserted, the skin at the site is prepped typically with the traditional iodophor-based preps. The arterial site is then covered with an occlusive dressing. When arterial lines are maintained for even a few days, it is not uncommon that some form of complication develops at the arterial site, such as redness, inflammation, positional problems, or even infection. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this traditional preparation and dressing method, the site is obscured constantly and complications are not always detected before a resulting infection occurs. This prospective study was designed to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of a new transparent prep, used with a transparent dressing at the arterial site. Sixty patients' arterial line sites were evaluated to determine the incidence of complications of the two arterial site prep and dressing methods. The effectiveness that the dressings may serve in securing the arterial lines in place was also evaluated. There were no complications in this study directly related to either skin preparation or dressing method, thus, there were no statistically significant differences. However, the transparent prep and transparent dressing method provided constant visual access to the arterial site and required fewer steps, clearly significant advantages not provided by the traditional method.

Catheterization, Peripheral↗