Controlled trial of Iodosorb in chronic venous ulcers.

Cadexomer iodine (Iodosorb) is a hydrophilic starch powder containing iodine, which is a suitable dressing for granulating wounds such as venous ulcers. A total of 61 outpatients with chronic venous ulcers participated in a randomised optional crossover trial using cadexomer iodine or a standard dressing for their ulcers. The trial lasted for 24 weeks or until the ulcer had healed. Two patients withdrew during the course of the trial. Both treatments were highly effective, but the epithelium of ulcers dressed with cadexomer iodine grew again significantly faster (p less than 0.001). At the midpoint of the trial (12th week) 13 of 30 patients receiving standard treatment were changed to cadexomer iodine, while only three of 29 receiving cadexomer iodine changed to the standard dressing (p less than 0.02). In most cases ulcers were dressed and rebandaged daily by the patients themselves after instruction and supervision. This may be better than having dressings and bandages applied by professionals less regularly.