Acemannan hydrogel dressing versus saline dressing for pressure ulcers. A randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for various conditions and as a cathartic. An amorphous hydrogel dressing derived from the aloe plant (Carrasyn Gel Wound Dressing, Carrington Laboratories, Inc., Irving, TX) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of Stages I through IV pressure ulcers. To evaluate effectiveness of this treatment, 30 patients were randomized to receive either daily topical application of the hydrogel study dressing (acemannan hydrogel wound dressing) or a moist saline gauze dressing. Complete healing of the study ulcer occurred in 19 of 30 subjects (63%) during the 10-week observation period. No difference was observed in complete healing between the experimental and the control groups (odds ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.16, 5.2). This study indicates that the acemannan hydrogel dressing is as effective as, but is not superior to, a moist saline gauze wound dressing for the management of pressure ulcers.

• Authors: D R Thomas, P S Goode, K LaMaster, T Tennyson
• Journal: Advances in wound care : the journal for prevention and healing (Adv Wound Care) Vol. 11 Issue 6 Pg. 273-6 (Oct 1998) ISSN: 1076-2191 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10326343 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• Hydrogels
• Mannans
• Plant Extracts
• Sodium Chloride
• acemannan

Topics

• Adjuvants, Immunologic (therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bandages
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrogels (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Mannans (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Plant Extracts (therapeutic use)
• Pressure Ulcer (drug therapy)
• Sodium Chloride (therapeutic use)
• Wound Healing