Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN) today released the results from a trial of its Allevyn Life multi-layer silicone adhesive foam dressing, touting that its addition to standard care protocols reduces the onset of pressure ulcers by 71% in elderly patients being treated for hip fracture.
The trial was published in the International Wound Journal, the London-based company said.
“Hip fractures in the elderly are a serious problem due to the high rate of mortality and complications such as pressure ulcers, which occur mainly in the sacral area. Preventive measures play an important role in increasing quality of care, reducing health costs and improving the patient’s quality of life. Our research shows that Allevyn Life is effective at reducing the rate of pressure ulcers in the sacrum in elderly patients with hip fracture. The excellent adhesiveness of this device also enables costs to be kept down,” Cristiana Forni of Bologna, Italy’s Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute said in a prepared statement.
Data in the trial came from an analysis of 359 fragile hip patients of age 65 or over, with patients divided into a treatment cohort that received the Allevyn Life and those who treated standard care.
Results indicated that 15.4% of patients who received only standard care developed pressure ulcers, while 4.5% of the Allevyn Life cohort developed ulcers, indicating a 71% reduction in pressure ulcer incidence.
The Allevyn Life dressing features five layers, with a breathable top layer, hydrocellular layer, an absorbent lock away core, masking layer and silicone gel adhesive layer, Smith & Nephew said.
“Many global experts and professional bodies8 state polyurethane foam dressings should be considered for use prophylactically on bony prominences in anatomical areas subject to friction and shear. This new research further demonstrates that Allevyn Life is a safe and effective preventative measure suited to be at the heart of a pressure ulcer prevention strategy,” chief medical officer Dr Andy Weymann said in a press release.
Last month, Smith & Nephew touted a 97.3% decrease in readmission rates for joint arthroplasties using its Episode of Care Assurance Program, a bundled payment option designed to reward good patient outcomes.
