No healing in a vacuum, study finds
- Date:
- June 17, 2011
- Source:
- Deutsches Aerzteblatt International
- Summary:
- Negative-pressure wound therapy probably does not promote healing, according to a recent meta-analysis of controlled trials.
- Share:
Negative-pressure wound therapy probably does not promote healing. This is the conclusion of Frank Peinemann and Stefan Sauerland's meta-analysis in the current edition of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International.
In negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT), wounds are covered with an airtight film and an adjustable negative pressure is applied using an electronically controlled pump. The negative pressure drains wound exudate and is thought to promote healing. This procedure is used in particular for chronic persistent wounds and complicated wounds.
The research included a total of 21 randomized controlled trials that reported on commercially available NPWT systems and systems not commercially available. The proportion of patients with complete wound closure was reported in only five trials, and only two showed a statistically significant effect in favor of NPWT. The results on complete wound closure are not homogenous, and as yet it cannot be concluded that NPWT is superior to the control treatment.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Deutsches Aerzteblatt International. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Frank Peinemann, Stefan Sauerland. Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 2011; 108 (22): 381-9 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2011.0381
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