Hydrocapillary dressing to manage exudate in venous leg ulcers.

This study evaluated the safety and clinical performance of Alione hydrocapillary adhesive dressing, Coloplast A/S, a newly developed moist wound healing dressing designed for exudate management of heavily to lightly exuding ulcers. Twelve patients with heavily to moderately exuding chronic venous leg ulcers were assessed during a 4-week observation period. Assessments included healing progress, pain, odour, peri-ulcer skin condition, ease of use, patient comfort and suitability of the dressing for managing exudate. The median ulcer area was reduced by 71% (P<0.05) and the wound bed tissue improved markedly. No leakages of exudate were reported and the overall impression of the dressing was good. The amount of exudate assessed subjectively (P<0.05). Pain and odour were reduced effectively. No dressing-related adverse events were observed. This study has demonstrated that Alione is safe and easy to use, and exhibits convincing clinical performance and exudate-handling properties in the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers.