Controlled, randomized clinical trial of 2 hydrocolloid dressings in the management of venous insufficiency ulcers

Abstract

A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare the performance of 2 hydrocolloid dressings, hydrocolloid A and hydrocolloid B, in the treatment of venous insufficiency ulcers. A total of 31 patients were enrolled at 2 clinical sites. Complete wound closure (100% epithelialization) was observed in 59% of the patients treated with hydrocolloid A, compared with complete wound closure in 15% of the patients in the hydrocolloid B group (P <or=.03). Investigators also rated hydrocolloid A significantly better in ease of application, adhesion, conformability, exudate absorption, barrier properties, transparency, and patient comfort (P <or=.02). Significantly fewer patients in the hydrocolloid A group required unscheduled, product-related dressing changes (P <or=.02). In this clinical study, hydrocolloid A demonstrated excellent performance characteristics and was highly effective in treating venous insufficiency ulcers.