The effect of polyvinyl alcohol antimicrobial foam dressing with two organic pigments vs. silver antimicrobial foam on exuding venous ulcerations : a comparative pilot study

Abstract

Background: Treatment of venous ulcers often includes incorporation of dressings, for reduction of bio-load. Evidence is lacking with regards to which dressing is ideal for healing chronic venous wounds. This study aimed to compare the healing effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) antimicrobial foam dressing impregnated with two organic pigments (gentian violet and methylene blue) vs. silver antimicrobial foam dressing.

Research Design and Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. 28 participants were divided into two groups and treated with one of the antimicrobial foams. Patients reviewed weekly for 3 weeks. Wound healing was assessed using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool.

Results: Over a period of 3weeks, both the PVA antimicrobial foam with two organic pigments and the silver antimicrobial foam dressings were effective in reducing mean BJWAT scores and wound healing (p < 0.001). The former was significantly better at week 1 (p = 0.001) and 2 (p = 0.014) but not at week 3 (p = 0.881).

Conclusion: PVA antimicrobial foam with two organic pigments showed some superiority over silver antimicrobial foam dressings in chronic venous ulcers. This should be considered when treating chronic venous ulcerations since the rate of healing was greater despite the extreme severity of ulcers at the start of the study.