A Comparison of Silicone Bordered Dressings for Fluid Management in Chronic Wounds

Introduction: Silicone bordered foams are frequently used in the management of chronic wounds. More recently, silicone bordered superabsorbent dressings have been introduced. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of bordered foam dressings and a bordered superabsorbent dressing (BSA).

Method: Three bordered foam dressings were assessed in comparison to BSA, for:

• Absorbency: Dressings were weighed and placed in an ionic solution at 37oC for 30 minutes. Dressings were then removed, suspended for 30 seconds and re-weighed to determine fluid absorbed. This test was also repeated with the dressings subjected to compression during absorption.
• Retention on compression: Following on from the uncompressed absorbency test, dressings were subjected to a mass equivalent to 30mmHg to determine percentage of fluid retained.
• Rate of fluid uptake: A 0.1ml drop of ionic solution was gently pipetted onto the surface of a dressing. The time taken to absorb was recorded.
• Bacterial Sequestration: MRSA solution (15ml) was added to the three foam dressings, the BSA and a gauze control daily. After 7days, the recovery of bacteria from each dressing was attempted.

Results:

• Absorbency & retention: Foam dressings absorbed between 1.09-1.24oz. BSA absorbed 2.97oz. The foam dressings retained an average of 69% of fluid under compression; the BSA retained 84%.
• Absorbency under compression: The BSA absorbed 1.52oz under compression, the foams absorbed 0.73-0.86oz.
• Rate of fluid uptake: Two foams took >5mins to absorb fluid. The third, and the BSA absorbed fluid within 1 second.
• Bacterial Sequestration: The foams all showed a 5-log increase in bacterial release compared to the BSA dressing. The gauze control and the foam showed equivalent performance in this assay.

Conclusion: The BSA was superior in its ability to absorb, handle fluid, and sequester bacteria than the foam dressings evaluated; this suggests the BSA could be beneficial in the treatment of exuding chronic wounds.