Morilla‐Herrera JC, Morales‐Asencio JM, Gómez‐González AJ, Díez‐De Los Ríos A, Lupiáñez‐Pérez I, Acosta‐Andrade C, Aranda‐Gallardo M, Moya‐Suárez AB, Kaknani‐Uttumchandani S, García‐Mayor S. Effectiveness of a hydrophobic dressing for microorganisms' colonization of vascular ulcers: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial (CUCO-UV Study).
J Adv Nurs 2020;
76:2191-2197. [PMID:
32395842 PMCID:
PMC7496185 DOI:
10.1111/jan.14412]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM
To determine the effectiveness of a hydrophobic dressing (Cutimed Sorbact® ) against a silver dressing (Aquacel® Ag Extra) in the level of colonization of chronic venous leg ulcers. The secondary endpoints are health-related quality of life, level of pain, and time to complete healing.
DESIGN
Open randomized controlled trial, with blinded endpoint.
METHODS
Patients with chronic venous leg ulcers with signs of critical colonization will be randomized in a concealed sequence using computer software to receive one of the alternative dressings. A total of 204 participants recruited in Primary Health Care and nursing homes will be necessary to assure statistical power. Measures will include sociodemographic variables, wound-related variables (area, exudate, and time to healing), level of pain, adverse effects, and health-related quality of life. Smear samples will be collected from the ulcers and will be subject to DNA-typing technique through polymerase chain reaction to obtain the level of colony-forming units. Measures will be collected at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
DISCUSSION
Elevated levels of microorganisms prevent wound healing and favour its chronification. The main target when colonization is present is to reduce the bacterial load to levels that promote immune system mobilization. Hydrophobic dressings prevent the formation of biofilm in the wound by means of physical effect, so that the possibility of antimicrobial resistance is significantly reduced.
IMPACT
Current evidence about the effectiveness of dressings to minimize venous leg ulcers colonization is very limited. Previous studies have important methodological flaws. This study will permit to obtain the effectiveness of hydrophobic dressings against silver dressings with a robust design based on conditions of routine clinical practice in Primary Health Care and nursing homes.
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