Treatment of pressure sores in spina bifida patients with calcium alginate and foam dressings

E. Ausili, V. Paolucci, S. Triarico, C. Maestrini, D. Murolo, B. Focarelli, C. Rendeli

Department of Paediatric Science and Department of Plastic Surgery, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. emanuele.ausili@tin.it

 

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• Plastic Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study on local treatment of pressure sores using calcium alginate and foam dressings in spina bifida patients.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate if this sequential approach is valid and safe for selected patients with neurological impairments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using European Pressure Ulcer Grading System, after clinical evaluation of local sore, selected patients of Spina Bifida Center of Rome were treated with sequential calcium alginate and foam dressings for 12 weeks. Pressure ulcere surfaces were measured monthly by ulcer tracing. The endpoints were the mean absolute areas surface reduction during every month and number of patients achieving a 50% or more during study.

RESULTS: 14 patients (7 males aged 12-24 years) with spina bifida and pressure sores were treated. Mean and standard deviation of mean surface area reduction were 12.5 ± 7.5 cm 2 at start of the study versus 3.7 ± 5.2 cm 2 after 12 weeks, p < 0.001. 75% of the patients reached mean surface area reduction of 50% during trial. Dressing tolerance was good in every patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Calcium alginate and foam dressings are valid and safe approach in the treatment of pressure sores in selected patients with spina bifida. In fact, they protect the wound and create an environment favorable to healing.

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