The effects of cadexomer iodine paste in the treatment of venous leg ulcers compared with hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. Cadexomer Iodine Study Group.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim was to examine cadexomer iodine paste in a comparative clinical trial.

METHODS:

A 12-week, randomized, open, controlled, multicenter, multinational trial in patients with exudating, venous leg ulcers of cadexomer iodine paste (Iodosorb/Iodoflex), hydrocolloid dressing (Duoderm E, Granuflex E), or paraffin gauze dressing (Jelonet) was carried out. All patients used short-stretch compression bandages (Comprilan) throughout the study. The primary efficacy variable was a reduction in ulcer size (%), and the secondary end-point was the time taken to stop exudation, when the patient had completed the study according to the protocol. A total of 153 patients entered the study and were treated for 12 weeks or until cessation of exudation.

RESULTS:

The mean reduction in ulcer size in all patients was 62% with cadexomer iodine vs. 41% and 24% for hydrocolloid and paraffin gauze (ns). Of those treated for 12 weeks (n = 51), ulcer area reduction was 66% for cadexomer iodine and 18% for hydrocolloid (p = 0.0127). For the whole material, the rate of healing (ulcer area reduction per week) was significantly higher for cadexomer iodine than for paraffin gauze (0.64 cm2/week vs. 0.19 cm2/week, p = 0.0353). The treatment costs were similar in all groups; however, when the costs were correlated with healing over a 12-week period, cadexomer iodine paste was found to be more cost effective than hydrocolloid dressing or paraffin gauze dressing.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study shows that cadexomer iodine paste is an efficient, cost-effective and safe alternative to hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing for the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

• Authors: C Hansson
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 37 Issue 5 Pg. 390-6 (May 1998) ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England
• PMID: 9620490 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Colloids
• Iodine Compounds
• Iodophors
• jelonet
• Petrolatum
• cadexomer iodine

Topics

• Adult
• Bandages
• Bandages, Hydrocolloid
• Colloids (economics, therapeutic use)
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Denmark
• Female
• Humans
• Iodine Compounds (economics, therapeutic use)
• Iodophors
• Leg Ulcer (drug therapy, economics)
• Male
• Occlusive Dressings (economics)
• Petrolatum
• Sweden