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Laboratory Research
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Comparison of the absorbency of a slow release cadexomer iodine antimicrobial dressing to various absorbent wound dressings David Brett, BS, BS, MS, Smith & Nephew, Largo, FL Typically exudate is caused by the breakdown of necrotic tissue (via enzymatic, autolytic or biological debridement), an inflammatory response contributed to microbial contamination/infection or edema due to venous disease. The effective management of wound exudate is an essential function of wound dressings for use on exuding wounds. Failure to manage wound exudate can result in leaking of excess fluid under the dressing and may result in peri-wound maceration. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moisture control properties of a cadexomer iodine dressing and a variety of absorbent dressings in vitro to gain insight into their functionality in the clinic. The dressings were evaluated on 2 aspects: Total Absorbency and Fluid Handling Capacity. The absorbent capacity varied considerably across the range of dressings tested, due to the difference in dressing thickness and ability to swell. There was a wide variation in the total fluid handling across the range of dressings tested. Several dressings were highly porous and lost fluid rapidly. Such dressings with high ÒbreathabilityÓ may cause low exuding wounds to dry out. The cadexomer iodine dressing is unique in that it seems to absorb and trap a relatively high level of moisture. These two properties would imply that this technology has a role in moist wound healing & autolytic debridement. With the addition of the antimicrobial iodine, 3 of the 4 aspects of WBP are addressed. Sibbald RG, Williamson D, Orsted HL, et al. Preparing the wound bedÑdebridement, bacterial balance and moisture balance. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2000;46(11):14Ð35 Falanga V. Classifications for wound bed preparation and stimulation of chronic wounds. Wound Rep Regen. 2000;8:347Ð352 Schultz GS, et al. Wound bed preparation: a systematic approach to wound management. Wound Rep Regen. 2003;11:1Ð28 |
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