Cost, efficacy, efficiency and tolerability of collagenase ointment versushydrocolloid occlusive dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers - A comparative, randomised, multicentre study

Objective: Pressure ulcers are a common and costly healthcare problem. It i s imperative to devise treatment methods that are simultaneously efficaciou s and cost effective. The efficacy and tolerability of collagenase ointment and hydrocolloid occlusive dressing have been proven in the treatment of p ressure ulcers, but no comparative cost-efficacy studies have been reported . The present study was carried out to compare the cost, efficacy, efficien cy and tolerability of these two methods. Design and Setting: This was a multicentre, randomised, nonblind, parallel group study conducted at seven hospitals in Spain. Patients: 37 evaluable patients of either gender aged 55 years or over havi ng had stage III pressure ulcers for <1 year. Methods: Reduction of ulcer area assessed at 1-week intervals was the prima ry outcome measure. Pain, granulation tissue, exudate and odour were also e valuated, as were nutrition state and occurrence of adverse reactions. Results: No statistically significant differences in cost, efficacy or effi ciency were detected between collagenase ointment and hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers, although a trend for better efficacy and efficiency of collagenase treatment was observed. The tolerability of b oth therapeutic regimens was good. Conclusions: These findings indicate tha t collagenase ointment and hydrocolloid dressing produced similar healing e ffects in patients with pressure ulcers.