100% Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose* Technology: Helping Patients from Stem to Stern

Statement of Clinical Problem

Healing wounds can be challenging.   100% Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) technology is a valuable option.

Description of Past Management

Three of seven wounds were managed with silver sulfadiazine and gauze dressings.  These included a burn, traumatic injury and pressure ulcer.  A silver impregnated hydrocolloid was utilized for a thoracic incision.  A sinus tract post hip replacement was managed with hydrogel-soaked gauze.  A mixed venous/arterial ulcer was managed with a calcium alginate dressing and compression.  The incontinence associated dermatitis/pressure ulceration was treated with antifungal/steroid cream.  A different approach was needed as wound progress had stalled.

Current Clinical Approach

Each wound was managed with NaCMC technology. The burn wound and the traumatic injury were both managed with a protocol that included NaCMC dressing with ionic silver^† and a gelling foam dressing^‡. The thoracic incision was managed with a surgical dressing containing NaCMC with ionic silver^§. The leg ulcer protocol included compression with NaCMC dressing^¶.  For the sinus tract and pressure ulcer wounds, NaCMC dressing with ionic silver^† was utilized.

Patient Outcomes

Five of the wounds healed and the incontinence associated dermatitis/pressure ulceration improved. The post-surgical hip replacement patient required debridement of necrotic bone prior to prosthesis replacement.  Minimal discomfort at dressing changes was experienced with this protocol.

Conclusions

NaCMC technology was beneficial in the management of partial thickness burns, surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, pressure ulcers and leg ulcers of mixed etiology. The versatility and simplicity of use were significant factors for clinicians and patients.