LOCAL TREATMENT OF PRESSURE SORES IN THE ELDERLY - AMINO-ACID COPOLYMER MEMBRANE VERSUS HYDROCOLLOID DRESSING

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effectiveness and wound management properties of a copolymer membrane, Inerpan(TM) (Synthelabo), and a hy drocolloid dressing, Comfeel(TM) (Coloplast), in the treatment of decu bitus ulcers in the elderly. DESIGN: Open, randomized, multicentric Fr ench study, with two parallel groups of patients. PATIENTS: 168 in-pat ients aged more 65 years (mean age: 82 years) suffering from grade II to grade IV (in the Shea classification) pressure sores. TRIAL PERIOD: Either 8 weeks or until the ulcer healed, whichever occurred first. M EASUREMENTS: In addition to a complete physical examination, patients were evaluated at baseline for nutritional status and risk factors. Th e wounds were described, their depth scored, and the areas traced at W eeks O, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8. The number of dressings used was recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-one Inerpan-treated patients and 23 Comfeel-treated pa tients achieved healing (P = 0.089), with respective median healing ti mes of 32 and 38 days. Healing times were compared using survival curv es (in the whole population) adjusted for ulcer depth effect and showe d a significant difference in favor of Inerpan (P = 0.044 and 0.014). Progress of healing (percentage of ulcer healed) was calculated in the two groups. Clinically assessed the treatment performance scored at t he completion of the study showed better results with Inerpan (P < 0.0 5). Both groups were similar in terms of granulation/exudation scores, surrounding skin, and ease of care. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Inerpan is easy to use, safeguards the healing process, and is of part icular value in the management of pressure sores.