Evaluation of three new hydrocolloid dressings: retention of dressing integrity and biodegradability of absorbent components attenuate inflammation.

Residues from hydrocolloid dressings (HCDs) that originate from matrix disintegration and nonbiodegradability of the absorbent components, may cause deep-seated, unresolved inflammation in tissue that appears otherwise healed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three new HCDs that were formulated with the goal of attenuating the inflammatory responses that may arise from HCD therapy. Two of the HCDs (A-106 and A-107) consisted of conventional absorbents dispersed in a new maceration-resistant adhesive matrix. The same matrix, mixed with potentially biodegradable dextran microspheres, formed the third dressing (Dextran Bead Dressing [DBD]). In this pilot scale study these novel dressings were evaluated on full-thickness dermal wounds on swine. Restore (Hollister) and DuoDERM CGF (Convatec) dressings were used as controls. Wound healing was evaluated histomorphometrically. Pertinent histologic parameters were ranked from wound tissue that was harvested 18 days after wounding. Grossly visible dressing disintegration ranged from minimal (DBD) to severe (Restore). Disintegration of other dressings was moderate. The percentage of tissue sections exhibiting giant cells reflected, in parallel, the observed extent of dressing disintegration. Thirty-eight percent of wounds dressed with DBD contained giant cells; 74 and 100% of wounds treated with DuoDERM CGF and Restore, respectively, contained giant cells. DBD-dressed wounds had relatively fewer chronic inflammatory cells than other dressings. These wounds were also characterized by a well-organized collagen matrix and complete reepithelialization. The extent of wound closures was similar for all dressing types except Restore. Closure of Restore-dressed wounds was delayed compared with closure with DBD and DuoDERM CGF on all days of evaluation except one. A-106 and A-107 were comparable to DuoDERM CGF in retention of dressing integrity and the elicited inflammatory tissue response. The DBD dressing appears to possess equivalent properties of typical HCDs while causing minimal tissue reactions.