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Acta Vulnologica 2012 March;10(1):11-9

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Systematic review of the literature about wound management

Stiavetti E., Poli S., Romanelli M.

Section of Cunaeous Tissue Repair, Operative Unit of Dermatology, Univerity of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

This article reports the results of a systematic review and analysis of 35 studies selected from about 180 articles on wound management. The evidence supports the use of advanced dressings and various other kinds of treatment. Three or four-layer compression therapy, hydrocolloids, alginate, hydrofiber, silver dressings, hyaluronic acid, sulfonated shale oil, Lyphoderm, amelogenine proteins, dyphenylhydantoin, ibuprofen and hydrogel bandages are efficacious in treating venous leg ulcers. Products of cell growth factors, ozone therapy, compression bandaging, vacuum-assisted closure therapy, topical and systemic antibiotic therapy for infection are efficacious in treating diabetic foot ulcers. Hydrocolloid dressings, transparent adhesive acrylic dressings, polyurethane foam, silver dressings, alginate containing calcium, zinc and manganese, and monochromatic intermittent phototherapy are helpful in preventing and treating pressure ulcers. The use of alternating pressure mattresses and seats which control pressure against bony prominences can hasten healing time. In patients at risk for malnutrition, enteral feeding with a high-protein diet supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma linolenic acid, and vitamins A, C, E is recommended