Cost, efficacy, efficiency and tolerability of collagenase ointment versus hydrocolloid occlusive dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers -: A comparative, randomised, multicentre study

Objective: Pressure ulcers are a common and costly healthcare problem. It is imperative to devise treatment methods that are simultaneously efficacious and cost effective. The efficacy and tolerability of collagenase ointment and hydrocolloid occlusive dressing have been proven in the treatment of pressure ulcers, but no comparative cost-efficacy studies have been reported. The present study was carried out to compare the cost, efficacy, efficiency and tolerability of these two methods. Design and Setting: This was a multicentre, randomised, nonblind, parallel group study conducted at seven hospitals in Spain. Patients: 37 evaluable patients of either gender aged 55 years or over having had stage III pressure ulcers for <1 year. Methods: Reduction of ulcer area assessed at 1-week intervals was the primary outcome measure. Pain, granulation tissue, exudate and odour were also evaluated, as were nutrition state and occurrence of adverse reactions. Results: No statistically significant differences in cost, efficacy or efficiency were detected between collagenase ointment and hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of pressure ulcers, although a trend for better efficacy and efficiency of collagenase treatment was observed. The tolerability of both therapeutic regimens was good. Conclusions: These findings indicate that collagenase ointment and hydrocolloid dressing produced similar healing effects in patients with pressure ulcers.