Use of a Superabsorbent Wound Dressing to Manage Exudate in the Outpatient Setting

Background: Managing wound exudate in lower extremity wounds on an outpatient basis has been challenging as these often are associated with increased costs and patient pain. Uncontrolled exudate leads to deterioration of the wound bed and surrounding skin. Superabsorbent dressings have been shown in vitro to reduce bioburden and modulate protease levels.¹

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of ten patients undergoing lower extremity wounds with uncontrolled exudate management in an outpatient setting.

Method:  Ten patients who had failed traditional exudate management due with high levels of wound drainage with a variety of wound dressings under compression received application of a superabsorbent dressing as part of a quality improvement process project. The frequency of dressing changes, costs, wound and surrounding skin response, adverse events, and a number of patient satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) measures were evaluated until drainage was well controlled and the patient was able to return to more traditional dressings. The dressing* was chosen based on having the smallest effect on altering sub-bandage pressures when expanded with exudate.²

Results: 9 of 10 patients reported increased satisfaction and QOL over previously used dressings. All required less dressing changes within 7 days and showed reduction in both wound size and peri-wound skin maceration.  Eight of 10 showed improvement in pain scores, which appear to be related to the improvement in the peri-wound skin condition.

Outcome: The use of a superabsorbent dressing in the management of highly exudating lower extremity wounds in this dressing evaluation appears to support previous literature^3-5 reports of improved patient satisfaction and QOL measures, reduced costs, and improved wound health. Further studies are warranted.

*Eclypse Dressing, Advancis Medical USA, Plainview, NY