Transparent Film Dressings Research Articles

Heel skin microclimate control: Secondary analysis of a self-controlled randomized clinical trial

Objectivethis study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of multilayer polyurethane foam with silicone (MPF) compared to transparent polyurethane film (TPF) dressings in the control of heel skin microclimate (temperature and moisture) of hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgeries. Methodthe study took of a secondary analysis of a randomized self-controlled trial, involving patients undergoing elective surgical procedure of cardiac and gastrointestinal specialties in a university hospital in southern Brazil, from March 2019 to February 2020. Patients served as their own control, with their heels randomly allocated to either TPF (control) or MPF (intervention). Skin temperature was measured using a digital infrared thermometer; and moisture determined through capacitance, at the beginning and end of surgery. The study was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-5GKNG5. Resultssignificant difference in the microclimate variables were observed when the groups (intervention and control) and the timepoint of measurement (beginning and end of surgery) were compared. When assessing temperature, an increase (+3.3 °C) was observed with TPF and a decrease (−7.4 °C) was recorded with MPF. Regarding skin moisture, an increase in moisture (+14.6 AU) was recorded with TPF and a slight decrease (−0.3 AU) with MPF. ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that MPF is more effective than TPF in controlling skin microclimate (temperature and moisture) in heels skin of hospitalized patients undergoing elective surgeries. However, this control should be better investigated in other studies.

Satisfactory level of Hiperskin TR® transparent film dressings in post-operative patient: a primary hospital Indonesia experience at Tebet District general hospital

Background: Post operative wound always be a burden, especially in tropical countries. The needs of extra care, avoidance from water/liquid, and routine changing of the dressings were the main concerned of the patients. The invention of waterproof dressings could decrease the hustle of wound care and increasing the comfort of the patients. This study aims to present satisfactory experience using transparent film dressing for post operative cases in primary care hospital Indonesia Methods: A descriptive study, total population of clean post operative wound from September to November 2022. Hiperskin TR®, a transparent film dressing was applied after cleaning the remaining debris. A questionnaire based on Bluebell wound healing questionnaire® was given at day 1 and day 7, to measure the satisfactory level of patients, and wound healing process experience. Results: 54 participants qualified for this study, but 6 were drop out. All of them were grouped by gender, age, and satisfactory level. Mostly were female (58%), with age ranging from 15-68 years old. The overall satisfaction of wound healing was good (66%), they felt secured (83.33%) and more comfortable using transparent dressing (83.33%). 12 patients (25%) needed to be changed before day 7 by health workers due to detachment of the dressing related to excessive/vigorous activities. 8 patients felt discomfort, 6 (12.5%) complained reddish and 2 patients (4.16%) have significant exudate within 1 week of follow up. Conclusions: The use of transparent film dressing for clean post operative wound at tropical country could be recommended, as it may decrease the patient’s disability in doing their daily activity and increasing patient’s satisfactory level.

A Transparent, Tough and Self-Healable Biopolymeric Composites Hydrogel for Open Wound Management.

Modern healthcare engineering requires a wound dressing solution supported by materials with outstanding features such as high biological compatibility, strong mechanical strength, and higher transparency with effective antibacterial properties. Here, we present a unique hydrogel technology consisting of two negatively charged biopolymers and a positively charged synthetic polymer. The interaction between charged polymers through hydrogen bonds has been created, which are revealed in the simulation by density functional theory and Fourier transform infrared spectra of individual polymers and the hydrogel film. The transparent hydrogel film dressings showed excellent stretchability, a higher water swelling ratio (60%), and strong mechanical strength (∼100 MPa) with self-healing abilities (85-90%). The fabricated hydrogel film showed stable blood clots (within 119 ± 15 s) with rapid hemostasis (<2%) properties and effective antibacterial studies against E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. In addition, the obtained hydrogel film also showed excellent cell viability on mouse fibroblast cells. With their enormous amenability to modification, these hydrogel films may serve as promising biomaterials for wound dressing applications.

Ambulation of Patients With In Situ Femoral Intraaortic Balloon Pump While Awaiting Heart Transplantation.

Ambulation of Patients With In Situ Femoral Intraaortic Balloon Pump While Awaiting Heart Transplantation.

The use of occlusive dressings: influence on excisional wound healing in animal model.

To analyze the influence of occlusive dressing on the healing of excisional skin wounds in mice. Pre-clinical, comparative, and translational study. Mice were divided into three experimental groups: wounds occluded with hydrocolloid (HD) dressings, transparent polyurethane film (TF) dressings, and without occlusion (WO), monitored at three, six and 14 days, with eight animals each. Closure rate, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, measurement of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and, histologically, angiogenesis were evaluated. Wound closure was accelerated in the occlusive groups. There was a decrease in TNF-α levels in the HD group when compared to the WO and TF groups. Neutrophils accumulation decreased in the HD group. Increased dosages of macrophages were evidenced in the HD group, compared to the WO and TF groups. Levels of VEGF were increased in the TF and HD groups. It is suggested that the occlusion of wounds modulates the inflammatory response.

Comparison of skin graft donor site management using oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC with absorptive silicone adhesive border and transparent film dressing vs semi-occlusive dressings.

Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are widely used in wound reconstruction. However, donor site wounds are created as a result. Traditionally, moist wound healing and transparent film dressings have been used to promote donor site wound healing. This retrospective study evaluated the use of oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC dressing (ORC/C/Ag-ORC) with an absorptive silicone adhesive border dressing and transparent film dressing (treatment) compared with petrolatum-based gauze dressing (control) over donor site wounds. Patients underwent an STSG procedure between January and December 2020. Donor sites received treatment (n=10) or control (n=10) dressings. Dressing changes occurred as necessary. Time to epithelialisation, narcotic pain medication requirements, and the number of office/hospital visits were examined. Twenty patients were managed (9 males, 11 females, average age: 49.7± 13.9y). Patient comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Wound types included traumatic and cancer excision. Time to epithelialisation was significantly reduced in the treatment group (11.1± 1.4d vs 18 ± 2.4d, P< 0.0001). The number of office visits for dressing changes was significantly lower in the treatment group (0.1± 0.3 vs 2± 0.7, P< 0.0001). No patients in the treatment group required a hospital visit, compared with 3 patients in the control group. One patient in the treatment group required narcotic pain medication, compared with 5 in the control group. In this patient population, the use of ORC/C/Ag-ORC, an absorptive silicone adhesive border dressing, and transparent film dressing resulted in a shorter time to epithelialisation and less analgesic requirement compared with petrolatum-based gauze dressing use.

Eliminating tattoos for short course palliative radiation therapy: Set-up error, satisfaction and cost

PurposePalliative patients are living longer thanks to advancements in systemic therapies and radiotherapy technologies. Prior to image guided radiotherapy, permanent ink tattoos were used to ensure set up accuracy. Permanent marks can cause psychological damage, physical pain and can reduce a patient’s quality of life. In recent years, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) has become standard practice and may eliminate the need for permanent tattoos in this patient population. MethodsTwenty-five patients were consecutively chosen from the Palliative Radiation Oncology Program (PROP). Each received 5 fractions of radiotherapy commencing within 72 hours of CT simulation. In place of permanent tattoos, patients were marked with permanent marker and an adherent transparent film dressing (Tegaderm TM ) was placed over the mark. Patients were educated on maintaining the marks and dressing. Daily cone beam CT (CBCT) isocentre mismatch values were compared with 25 patients who received tattoos for radiotherapy to similar body regions. Radiation therapist concerns, cost, variations in isocentre shift values and additional imaging requirements were obtained. ResultsIsocentre shift values were similar (p<0.05) for Tegaderm TM vs. tattoo patients in the anterior-posterior (AP) and right-left (RL) directions. The mean shift value in the superior-inferior (SI) direction was larger for Tegaderm TM than for tattoos (p=0.01), however the magnitude was only 2 mm, which is clinically insignificant as these shifts were prior to IGRT guided correction. No patient required a repeat CBCT or a resimulation. The cost of the Tegaderm TM dressing was substantially less than the tattoo group. Radiation Therapists' satifaction with Tegaderm TM was overall high, however some expressed concerns with their durability and longevity. ConclusionsWe found that the use of Tegaderm TM dressing did not result in increased set-up time, mismatch error or additional imaging procedures (CBCT or CTsimulation) and moreover cost substantially less than permanent ink tattoos.

新生児の末梢静脈カテーテル固定における透明フィルムと非滅菌テープの輸液トラブル発症比較

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention（CDC）ガイドラインでは末梢静脈カテーテルの挿入部位を観察するため，滅菌透明フィルムドレッシング材を使用することが推奨されているが，輸液漏れを起こしやすい新生児への滅菌透明フィルムドレッシング使用に関する研究は少ない．透明フィルム固定と非滅菌テープ固定における輸液トラブル発症を比較し，透明フィルム固定が輸液トラブル発症のリスク因子になり得るかを解析した．新生児病棟入院児を対象とし前期（4か月）は非滅菌テープ固定，後期（4か月）は透明フィルム固定とし，固定から1週間以内に発生した輸液トラブルを記録した．治療終了前のカテーテル抜去をカテーテル不全とし主要評価項目とした．カテーテル挿入例は延べ239例で内77例（32%）は透明フィルム，162例（68%）がテープであった．カテーテル不全はフィルム群43例（56%），テープ群95例（59%）でほぼ同等の発症率であった．Cox比例ハザード分析にて，カテーテル不全発症リスク因子は高張輸液（ハザード比［95%信頼区間］8.31［3.03-22.80］），輸液速度3 mL/時以上（2.61［1.75-3.91］）で，フィルム固定は有意なリスク因子ではなかった．新生児においても透明フィルムドレッシングは安全に使用できる可能性がある．

Incidence of Medical Adhesive–Related Skin Injuries and Associated Factors After Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence, characteristics, and factors associated with medical adhesive–related skin injuries (MARSI). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: The sample comprised 136 children in the postoperative period after congenital heart surgery. The study setting was in a 31-bed pediatric surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Patients were followed from admission, with daily skin assessments, until the onset of MARSI or ICU discharge. Outcomes were compared by Fisher's exact test, Pearson's χ2 test, Mann-Whitney test, Brunner-Munzel test, and Welch 2-sample t test. RESULTS: The incidence of MARSI was 60.3%, with 85 injuries in 82 patients. The highest occurrence was on postoperative day 2 (27 wounds; 31.8%). The most frequent medical adhesive associated with MARSI was transparent film dressing (n = 74; 86.6%). Factors associated with MARSI were age (P = .000), number of devices inserted (P = .000), Braden Q Scale score (P = .005), duration of surgery (P = .021), cardiopulmonary bypass duration (P = .000), duration of mechanical ventilation (P = .000), and length of ICU stay (P = .000). Children who developed MARSI received more blood components (P = .039), vasopressors (P = .000), and corticosteroids (P = 0.000); required longer sedation (P = .000); and had more edema (P = .001). CONCLUSION: This high incidence indicates the need for greater awareness and prompt action in response to MARSI. Polyurethane transparent film without concurrent use of a skin barrier product should be avoided.

Comparing test methods for moisture-vapor transmission rate (MVTR) for vascular access transparent semipermeable dressings.

Catheter insertion sites are commonly covered by transparent film dressings, offering protection of the insertion site from external contaminants and securement of the catheter while allowing site observation through a clear window. Currently, there is considerable focus on creating IV film dressings with ever-increasing moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) to prevent the accumulation of moisture under the film and reduce the risk of infection. These increasingly high MVTR IV dressings are often promoted as superior to IV dressings with lesser MVTR values. Since there are different methods to determine MVTR, we chose to test a series of commercially available dressings with two standard methods to compare the results and better understand the information provided by this measurement. We used European Standard EN 13726 to test the MVTR of seven different IV dressings with two different methods (upright and inverted). We measured a range of MVTR values from 773 to 2838 g/m2/day for the upright method and from 845 to 30,530 g/m2/day for the inverted method for the seven IV dressings tested. Three dressings showed statistically different MVTR values with the two test methods. The MVTR test method (upright or inverted) used and considered for IV dressing product selection matters because the results obtained can be very different. We suggest that the upright method is better suited for IV dressings because they are not in constant contact with fluid. We conclude that the inverted method alone is not adequate to compare IV dressings.

Medical adhesive-related skin injuries in the neonatology department of a teaching hospital.

Medical adhesives are used to affix components to the skin. They are part of procedures performed by medical specialties because of their participation as constituents of different products, such as tapes, dressings, and electrodes. This study aims to assess the prevalence of, and factors associated with, the development of medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) in patients treated with medical tapes in the neonatology department of a large teaching hospital in Brazil. Cohort study. All premature newborns (gestational age from 28 to <37 weeks) admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a teaching hospital, from March to August 2019, were followed up. Neonate skin condition was assessed based on the Neonatal Skin Condition Scale (NSCS). Data analyses were conducted in R software. In total, 46 premature newborns were included in the study; 552 evaluations were performed-mean of 11.7 per patient. Most neonates (n=41; 89.1%) used adhesive tapes, either paper tape (n=37; 80.4%) or transparent film dressing (n=34; 73.9%). Newborns' face and head were the most affected body regions (n=125; 50.2%). Eight patients had MARSIs (19.5% of patients who used tape). NSCS scores (P value <.001) and the adopted warming system (P value=.01302) were associated with the occurrence of MARSIs. Incubators seem to be a protective factor for MARSI (OR=0.048; IC95%=0.0008-0.75; P value=.013). Adhesive tapes in premature newborns should be considered a risk factor for injuries. Although NSCS showed mild-to-moderate impairment and lesion severity was low, this event is relatively frequent in neonatal units. Awareness of the risk associated with adhesive tape application and removal in newborns allow health services to better address the problem by enforcing good practices, elaborating better protocols, qualifying the health care professionals, and potentially selecting softer tapes for neonates.

Patient Outcomes with a Transparent Film Dressing for Reducing Acute Dermatitis from Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy

Dermatitis remains a source of morbidity for post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) patients. We retrospectively report our experience, including patient-reported outcomes (PROs), with a transparent film dressing (Mepitel film) for reducing acute dermatitis from PMRT. Patients who underwent prophylactic application of Mepitel film over the irradiated chest wall during PMRT for breast cancer at our institution between September 2015 and August 2019 were included. Mepitel films were regularly checked every 1-2 weeks during treatment and changed or patched as needed. Adverse events were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5. Selected PROs at baseline, PMRT completion, and 3-month follow-up were obtained from the PRO-CTCAE and the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcomes Scale. Descriptive and univariate analyses (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) were performed using SPSS Statistics Version 25. 139 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (12) years at the time of treatment met the eligibility criteria. PMRT was administered with protons in 102 (73.4%) and photons in 37 (26.6%). Approximately half (50.4%) of patients had breast reconstruction at the time of PMRT. The median (range) number of total fractions given was 25 (15-33) with a median (range) total dose of 5000 (4005-6625) cGy. Chest wall boost was administered in 21 (15.1%), and lymph node boost in 26 (18.7%). Skin boluses were used in 35 (95%) of the 37 patients treated with photons. One (1.4%) patient developed an allergic reaction to Mepitel before treatment during a sampling trial. 24 (17.5%) discontinued Mepitel before PMRT completion, most commonly due to a skin reaction (allergic or irritation) (16 (11.7%)), or difficulty with its use (poor adherence, intolerance, or discomfort) (8 (5.8%)). The median (range) number of Mepitel patching and re-applications during PMRT was 3 (0-10). 71 (51.1%) patients developed grade 1 dermatitis, 60 (43.2%) developed grade 2 dermatitis, and eight (5.8%) developed grade 3 dermatitis. On a 5-point Likert scale (0 meaning not at all and 5 meaning very severe), the median self-rated severity at PMRT completion and 3-months were 2 (mild; range 1-5; n = 86) and 1 (none; range 1-4; n = 82), respectively. Self-reported ratings of other PROs (bleeding or leaking fluid, blistering, tenderness/discomfort, tightness, telangiectasia, flaking/peeling, changes in skin color, and itchiness) on a 10-point Likert scale were as expected. The use of Mepitel films in patients undergoing PMRT with photon- and proton-based radiotherapy is feasible. Rates of acute skin toxicity compare favorably with historical controls. Based on this preliminary experience, a phase 3 randomized controlled trial (A221803) comparing Mepitel versus best supportive care for patients undergoing PMRT is pending.

Notes from the NICU: Analyzing the Chemical Content of Commonly Used Medical Products

Notes from the NICU: Analyzing the Chemical Content of Commonly Used Medical Products

Topical insulin in the treatment of nonhealing erosions and ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is characterized by cutaneous flaccid blisters, erosions, and crusts and mucosal erosions. 1 Grada A. Obagi Z. Phillips T. Management of chronic wounds in patients with pemphigus. Chronic Wound Care Manage Res. 2019; 6: 89-98 Crossref Google Scholar In severe PV, erosions may extend to the dermis and may transform into ulcers. Management of such ulcers includes optimum wound care with nonadherent gauze, transparent film, hydrocolloid, and hydrogel dressings. 1 Grada A. Obagi Z. Phillips T. Management of chronic wounds in patients with pemphigus. Chronic Wound Care Manage Res. 2019; 6: 89-98 Crossref Google Scholar Despite these measures, ulcers, especially located over the buttocks, are refractory to treatment.

Presence of Bisphenol A and Parabens in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Exploratory Study of Potential Sources of Exposure

Newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are in contact with a variety of medical products whose production might include synthetic chemicals with hormonal activity. Our aim was to assess the content of bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens (PBs) and the hormone-like activities of a subset of medical products commonly used in NICUs in prolonged intimate contact with NICU newborns. Fifty-two NICU items were analyzed, determining the concentrations of BPA and PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP)] and using the E-Screen and PALM-luciferase assays to measure the in vitro (anti-)estrogenic and (anti-)androgenic activity, respectively, of the extracts. Items found to have elevated BPA/PB content or hormone-like activities were further extracted using leaching methodologies. BPA was found in three-fifths and PBs in four-fifths of tested NICU items, and and of extracts evidenced estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, respectively. The highest BPA content was found in the three-way stopcock (), followed by patterned transparent film dressing, gastro-duodenal feeding tubes, sterile gloves, single-lumen umbilical catheters, and intravenous (IV) infusion extension sets (concentrations ranged from 100 to BPA). A total PB concentration () was observed in several items, including light therapy protection glasses, patterned transparent film dressing, winged IV catheters, IV infusion extension sets, and textile tape. The highest estrogenic activity [ estradiol equivalent ()] was found in small dummy nipples, three-way stopcocks, and patterned transparent film dressing and the highest anti-androgenic activity [ procymidone equivalent units per gram ()] in small dummy nipples and three-way stopcocks. According to these findings, neonates might be exposed to multiple sources of BPA and PBs in NICUs via inhalation, dermal, oral, and IV/parenteral routes. There is a need to address the future health implications for these extremely vulnerable patients and to adopt precautionary preventive measures as a matter of urgency. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP-embargotest.

Presence of Bisphenol A and Parabens in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Exploratory Study of Potential Sources of Exposure.

Background:Newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are in contact with a variety of medical products whose production might include synthetic chemicals with hormonal activity.Objectives:Our aim was to assess the content of bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens (PBs) and the hormone-like activities of a subset of medical products commonly used in NICUs in prolonged intimate contact with NICU newborns.Methods:Fifty-two NICU items were analyzed, determining the concentrations of BPA and PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP)] and using the E-Screen and PALM-luciferase assays to measure the in vitro (anti-)estrogenic and (anti-)androgenic activity, respectively, of the extracts. Items found to have elevated BPA/PB content or hormone-like activities were further extracted using leaching methodologies.Results:BPA was found in three-fifths and PBs in four-fifths of tested NICU items, and and of extracts evidenced estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, respectively. The highest BPA content was found in the three-way stopcock (), followed by patterned transparent film dressing, gastro-duodenal feeding tubes, sterile gloves, single-lumen umbilical catheters, and intravenous (IV) infusion extension sets (concentrations ranged from 100 to BPA). A total PB concentration () was observed in several items, including light therapy protection glasses, patterned transparent film dressing, winged IV catheters, IV infusion extension sets, and textile tape. The highest estrogenic activity [ estradiol equivalent ()] was found in small dummy nipples, three-way stopcocks, and patterned transparent film dressing and the highest anti-androgenic activity [ procymidone equivalent units per gram ()] in small dummy nipples and three-way stopcocks.Discussion:According to these findings, neonates might be exposed to multiple sources of BPA and PBs in NICUs via inhalation, dermal, oral, and IV/parenteral routes. There is a need to address the future health implications for these extremely vulnerable patients and to adopt precautionary preventive measures as a matter of urgency. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5564

A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Transparent Film Dressings and Conventional Occlusive Dressings for Elective Surgical Procedures.

BACKGROUND:Surgical site infection is one of the major health-care-associated problems causing substantial morbidity and mortality and constituting a financial burden on hospitals as well. The wound management is one of the crucial evidence-based strategies in the reduction of surgical site infection ratesAIM:To study the impact of standardisation of transparent semipermeable dressing procedure on the rate of surgical site infection in comparison with conventional dressing in clean and clean-contaminated surgeries.METHODS:The study included 100 patients who were admitted to surgical wards in Cairo university hospitals, for clean and clean-contaminated operations, in the period from February 2017 to August 2017. Immunocompromised and uncontrolled diabetic patients were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; in the first group, patients wounds were covered using transparent semipermeable dressing, while the second group patients’ wounds were covered using conventional occlusive gauze dressing. Patients were followed up for criteria of infection every other day during the first week then at two weeks, three weeks and four weeks.RESULTS:In clean and clean-contaminated operations, the transparent dressing group showed a significantly lesser rate of surgical site infection at (2%), compared with the conventional occlusive gauze dressing group with a surgical site infection rate of (14%) (p-value of 0.02).CONCLUSION:The transparent semipermeable dressing is effective in reducing surgical site infection rate in clean and clean-contaminated operations.

Groin Dressing Post Cardiac Catheterization: Traditional Pressure Vs Transparent Film

Background: Post cardiac catheterization puncture site care is usually done with a tight pressure dressing in many institutions due to the belief that it should prevent the bleeding. This practice is uncomfortable to the patients. Nurses have also described difficulty in assessing the sheath insertion site in the groin when pressure dressing is in place. A new way of dressing using transparent film dressing (TFD) has approved and rated better with regard to: comfort, less pain, decrease hematoma formation and facilitates nurses’ assessment of the puncture wound site after femoral sheath removal. Aim: To determine the efficacy of a small transparent non pressure dressing compared with the traditional controlled pressure dressing applied to the femoral artery puncture wound to maintain hemostasis with respect to 3 outcomes: patient satisfaction, bleeding or hematoma formation, and nurse-reported ease of assessment of the groin site after the procedure. Materials and Methods Design: An experimental design, randomized study. Patients: 80 post cardiac catheterization patients were randomized to have their groins dressed either with pressure dressing (N = 40) or Transparent Film Dressing (N = 40). Patients ambulated 8 hours after the procedures. Outcome variables were hematoma formation or bleeding, patient discomfort, and nurse-reported ease of observation of the groin puncture site after the procedure. Five instruments were used for data collection: Demographic and medical data sheet, Hematoma Formation and Bleeding Scale, Skin Integrity Scale, Patient Discomfort and Pain Scale and Nurses Ease of Assessment Scale. Results: Results of the study showed that 100% in TFD group vs. 55% in pressure dressing group reported feeling very comfortable (p value of 0.003). Hematoma formation was equal in the two dressing groups with no incidence of bleeding complications. Nurses rated the ease of assessing the groin significantly higher for TFD than for pressure dressings (p value of 0.000). Conclusion: Dressing of the puncture site after cardiac catheterization with TFD was more comfortable than the conventional pressure dressing without any difference in hematoma or bleeding complications. So TFD can be used safely and comfortably after achieving hemostasis.

A Prospective, Within-Patient Controlled Study to Compare the Ability of the Non Adherent Drawtex&amp;#174; Hydroconductive Dressing to a Transparent Polyurethane Film Dressing (Standard of Care) on the Healing of Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites*

Background: Dressing of split-thickness skin graft donor sites can be traumatic for the patient. The most advanced and expensive dressings have been compared to the most basic of dressings, with little or no consensus and an unpersuasive level of evidence. We aimed to determine the efficacy of the locally manufactured non-adherent, hydroconductive Drawtex® dressing and compare it to our current standard-of-care dressing, a thin transparent polyurethane film, in the healing of split-thickness donor sites. Methods: This prospective, within-patient controlled study included 27 adult participants, each with two split-thickness skin donor sites. The 54 donor site wounds were compared with regard to time to re-epithelialisation, perceived pain and healed wound quality. Results: By day 5, complete healing of donor site wounds, defined as >90% of epithelialized surface, was significantly higher in the hydroconductive dressing group compared to the polyurethane film group (22.2% and 3.7%, respectively; p < 0.0001). The hydroconductive dressing-treated donor site wounds were significantly less painful at 24-hours, 48-hours and 7-days post-operatively, and had fewer complications and superior wound healing quality. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the relatively cheap and readily available dressing made locally in South Africa, Drawtex® is at least as safe, and potentially superior in wound healing, when compared to our current standard-of-care dressing.

Application of transparent film dressing in fistula nursing of patients with PCN

Objective To evaluate the clinical application effect of transparent film dressing in fistula nursing of patients with percutanueous nephrostomy (PCN). Methods By using before-after self control study method, 40 patients with pelvic tumor that caused by postrenal renal failure, and needed long-term fistula remained after PCN surgery were selected as the research object. Conventional sterile gauze and tape were used to nurse the fistula before intervention and transparent film dressing was used after intervention. Results Patents always worried about trachea cannula exodus and infection before intervention. After intervention, the comfort degree of their daily life (like showering, sleeping and daily activities) was obviously higher than that before intervention (P<0.01). The incidence of renal fistula local adverse effect after intervention is relatively low. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Before intervention, the tape was loosing in (5.47±1.48) days, there were three cases of accidental trachea cannula exodus; and after intervention, transparent film dressing hemmed in (14.22±1.99) days, and no accidental trachea cannula exodus occurred (P<0.01); and no hyper-sensitive cases happened with the transparent film dressing. Conclusions The transparent film dressing has the advantages of stable viscosity, waterproofing, fungi-proofing, breathability and hypoallergenic, etc. It can well protect and fix the fistula, and it is suitable for nursing care of patients with long-term renal fistula. Key words: Nephrostomy, percutaneous; Renal fistula; Transparent film dressing; Comfort degree