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Oral Abstracts (Session 2 of 5)
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(Presentation 33.2) Evaluation of pain control and healing rates using an advanced cellulose dressing with 0.3% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)* Connie Davis, ARNP, BC, CWCN, COCN, DAPWCA, Inverness Surgical Association and Wound Center, Inverness, Fla Problem: As a plethora of new and innovative antimicrobial wound dressings enter the market, it becomes necessary to determine which of these products will provide optimum healing rates in the shortest period of time while at the same time enabling the wound care clinician to provide care in the most cost-efficient manner. In addition, pain related to dressing changes has emerged as an important component that impacts wound healing potential and healing time. Methodology: Four patients with chronic wounds, 2 of whom were clinically infected, were treated with a topical dressing consisting of cellulose and 0.3% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)* over a maximum of 30 days. This regimen was initiated after using silver-impregnated wafer dressings, petrolatum impregnated dressings, and powder containing silver. Dressings were changed weekly to every other week, depending on appearance of the dressing at evaluation and the amount of drainage. In 2 cases, a petrolatum-impregnated gauze dressing was applied over the primary dressing followed by sterile padding and compression dressings. In the other 2 cases, sterile padding was applied directly over the primary dressing followed by compression dressings. Pain related to the wounds as well as during dressing changes was evaluated according to a 1–10 visual scale before initial application of the new product, during dressing changes, and at the end of treatment. Results: Application of the new product in selected patients decreased time to healing over other antimicrobial containing products, protected periwound tissue, decreased pain from a high level of 6–8 to down to 0 unlike other tested antimicrobial products, and in 3 of 4 cases provided an optimal healing environment leaving the dressing in place for up to 10 days. Conclusions: The cellulose and PHMB product proved to be a cost effective, efficient, patient-friendly option for treating chronic wounds. *Xcell Cellulose Wound Dressing, Medline Industries, Inc., Mundelein, Ill References Alvarez OM, Patel M, Booker J, Markowitz L. Effectiveness of a biocellulose wound dressing for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers: results of a single center randomized study involving 24 patients. WOUNDS. 2004;16(7):224–233. Fleck CA. Dressing to reduce pain. ECPN. 2005;103(7):30–36. |
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