Pressure Ulcers: A pilot study for treatment with collagen-polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

Background: Chronic ulcers owing to pressure cause complications with respect to immobilization and develop through limited blood circulation. There are different treatments for these ulcers; nonetheless, the search for an efficient and economical option continues. One choice could be collagen-polyvinylpyrrolidone (clg-pvp). Presence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients constitutes a frequent medical problem which is difficult to manage and can be an entry route for infection. Also, restoring the dermic continuity offers a means of improving a patient’s quality-of-life. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze whether cicatrization on pressure ulcers presents more rapidly with local cleaning with soap, application of zinc oxide paste and clg-pvp compared with local cleaning with soap, application of zinc oxide paste and placebo (saline solution with polyvinylpyrrolidone). Methodology: From July 2002 to April 2003 the authors conducted a clinical, comparative, prospective, longitudinal, randomized study. Coded flasks containing either clg-pvp or placebo were designated for patients according to a table of random numbers. The clg-pvp or placebo was applied to each patient’s ulcers at a rate of 1.5 ml intradermically at the four equi-spaced points around the ulcer. The nominal diameter of each ulcer was measured at the start of the study and then weekly over a 3-week period. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS (version 10; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) software program. Results: The group treated with clg-pvp experienced a reduction in mean ulcer size from 3.4 to 1.41 cm in diameter, whereas in the placebo group the reduction was from 2.9 to 1.58 cm in diameter. Despite the greater diameter reduction in the first group, the lack of a statistically significant difference could have resulted from the short follow-up period and small sample size.