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Case Study
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The use of polyurethane self-adhesive foam dressing* on a case series of diabetic foot ulcers Julia Shaw, DPM, John McCarry, DPM, Regional Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland Introduction .A polyurethane foam dressing* containing a highly absorbent material embedded in a polyurethane matrix covered by a waterproof film, was used in the clinical management of a variety of diabetic foot wounds (n=10). The evaluation focused on the performance of the dressing. Methods .In this non-comparative clinical case series, the polyurethane foam dressing* was applied to the Òreference woundÓ (with moderate to heavy exudate) as indicated and clinical performance assessed. This included dressing durability, ease of application/removal and adherency. Patients were monitored and the dressing evaluated weekly for 12 weeks. A 2-month follow up visit was carried out after either the wound had healed, the 12-week assessment period had been completed or withdrawal had occurred due to an adverse event. Results .The median dressing wear time was 3.7 days (range 1.4 to 7.0). Dressing application/ removal was reported as ‘very easy' in all 10 cases. Dressing application was reported as ‘very comfortable' during wear and dressing adherence was good. 100% reported ‘no rucking' on dressing application and 98% reported ‘no rucking' on removal. There was no reported damage to the reference wound as a result of dressing removal. Over the 12-week assessment period and 2-month follow-up, 70% of the diabetic wounds had healed. Conclusion .Overall, the polyurethane dressing* was well tolerated and reported as a very comfortable .dressing by all patients. It was flexible, adhered well to all parts of the foot and did no harm to the surrounding skin. It appeared to assist in the healing process in these diabetic foot wounds. *ALLEVYN, Smith & Nephew Wound Management Inc. Largo, FL |
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