Evaluation of Tielle hydropolymer dressings in the management of chronic exuding wounds in primary care

Abstract

The concept of moist wound healing is not fully implemented in daily practice in Germany. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the use of Tielle hydropolymer dressings in chronic exuding wounds in primary care. A total of 6,993 patients with pressure sores (26.6%), venous leg ulcers (59.8%), diabetic foot disease (9.5%) and other wounds (5.1%) were enrolled into three multicentre, open-label, single-arm, prospective phase-IV studies for an observational period of either 4 or 12 weeks. Within the 4 (12)-week study using Tielle, 43.3% (59.1%) of the wounds healed and 51.6% (36.9%) improved. Wound area was reduced by 78.2% (85.1%). Medium or strong levels of exudates were reduced from 57.4% to 6.7% (4.0%). Cosmetic results were excellent or good in 96.3%. Compared with patients' previous treatment, efficacy and tolerability were assessed as better or much better in 92.5% and 70.4%, respectively. 97.1% of the patients remained free of adverse events. The frequency of dressing changes was reduced from 5 to 3 per week (-43%). Tielle provides an effective and safe dressing in the management of chronic exuding wounds in primary care improving patient's comfort. Due to longer wearing times, Tielle may also be cost saving.