Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy, tolerance and acceptance of a novel, hydroactive-impregnated dressing (Hydrotul) in the local treatment of acute and chronic wounds.
Method: In a prospective observational study 24 centres in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria recruited 74 patients. At each dressing change the investigators evaluated the condition of the wound, perilesional skin and patient-reported pain. Overall, five dressing changes were documented, or until complete healing occurred. The hydroactive properties of the dressing were assessed in laboratory tests by measuring fluid absorption capacity and kinetics.
Results: Patients were treated for an average of 17 days. The wound condition improved markedly during the observation period. The wound area covered with fibrinous slough decreased from 29% to 14%, epithelialisation increased from 19% to 54% and 22 wounds were completely healed by the end of the study. The number of patients reporting severe and moderate wound pain decreased from 35% to 19% and the proportion of patients without wound pain doubled from 27% to 60%. In laboratory tests, Hydrotul absorbed two to three times the amount of fluid compared with other impregnated wound dressings and the kinetics of absorption was much faster.
Conclusion: The novel hydroactive impregnated dressing supports the healing process in patients with acute and chronic wounds and reduces wound pain. The dressing absorbs excess wound exudate while keeping the wound surface moist and protecting perilesional skin.