Introduction We have previously presented results from this real-life comparative clinical investigation showing that a sustained silver-releasing foam dressing significantly improved healing of ulcers with signs of infection1. The test dressing was compared with Local Best Practice (LBP). Here we present an analysis of the clinical performance of the silver foam compared with the subgroup “Silver Dressings” from the LBP group.

Method The study included 619 patients from 80 wound care clinics. The main ulcer types were leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were limited in order to obtain real-life data. All treatments were in accordance with the products' instructions for use. During a 4-week observation period the ulcers were monitored with 1-week intervals.

Results Seventeen percent (n=38) of the dressings used in the LBP group were silver dressings. When the test dressing (n=326) was compared with this subgroup, the ulcer area reduction was 47.1% in the test group and 25.0% in the LBP group (p=0.028). Progress towards healing was achieved faster in the test group (p=0.0014). There was less slough in the wound bed (p=0.0005), less maceration (p=0.04) and pain at dressing change (p=0.027), and the odour decreased faster in the test group than in the LBP group (p=0.025). Exudate handling was rated better (p<0.0001) and CF was rated easier to use than LBP (p<0.0001).

Conclusion In conclusion, this study showed that that this sustained silver-releasing foam dressing supports faster healing of ulcers with signs of local infection compared with other silver dressings. Also this dressing performed better in terms of exudate management and ease of use.

References 1. Münter et al. The CONTOP Study: A Large-Scale, Comparative, Randomised Study in Patients Treated with a Sustained Silver-Releasing Foam Dressing. Presented at the joint meeting of ETRS, EWMA and DGfW, 2005 & SAWC, 2006