Managing exudate for wound healing
The below article from the International Wound Journal highlights the critical role of utilising data from clinically relevant laboratory tests and well-structured clinical studies in the dressing selection process.
Understanding that not all dressings within a specific category, such as foam dressings, perform equally is crucial. The effectiveness of a dressing is significantly influenced by its composition and construction. Various factors, including the materials used, the layering of those materials, and the overall design, contribute to how well a dressing can manage exudate, maintain a moist wound environment, and protect the wound from external contaminants. These differences in composition and construction can lead to variations in fluid absorption, retention, and overall performance, making it essential to carefully select the appropriate dressing based on the specific needs of the wound and the patient.
The laboratory tests discussed in the article identified notable differences among six commercially available non-bordered foam dressings in their capacity to manage and retain fluid, particularly under compressive conditions.
Managing exudate is crucial for optimal wound healing and patient wellbeing. Dressings that fail to absorb excess wound exudate and release fluid into the environment can lead to increased inflammation in the wound bed and maceration of the surrounding skin, ultimately delaying wound healing. Additionally, the high volumes of exudate associated with chronic wounds can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and wellbeing. If not properly managed, excess exudate can exacerbate pain, itching, and odour, and negatively affect the wound microbiome. Poorly managed exudate can also be costly for healthcare providers, as leakage onto the peri-wound region can cause moisture-related damage, such as maceration, which has economic implications.
The article emphasises the importance of matching lab results with real-world data to ensure new technologies work well in clinical settings. Within the study, they found that the clinical results matched the lab data, showing that the innovative dressing effectively managed exudate in wounds that produced moderate to large amounts of fluid over a long time. This led to positive outcomes for patients.
The dressing handled moderate to large amounts of exudate well, and clinical investigators rated it highly for its ability to absorb and retain fluid. Over the course of the study, there was a general reduction in exudate volume and an improvement in wound condition, with less dead tissue and more healthy tissue growth. Additionally, patients reported little to no itching around the wound, minimal pain during wear and removal of the dressing, and few instances of trauma to the wound bed and surrounding skin.
The investigational dressing demonstrated effective fluid management, even under compression, and clinical studies showed a reduction in wound size and improved exudate management, with patients reporting significant improvements in quality of life.