A new in vivo test method to compare wound dressing fluid handling characteristics and wear time.

A refined in vivo artificial wound model utilizing artificial wound fluid (AWF) was developed to overcome important limitations such as adhesive-skin interactions, movement, pressure, shear, and varying environmental conditions in in vitro models. Using this model, a study with primary endpoints of wear time and fluid handling capacity was conducted to compare two foam dressings: a high performance (HPF) dressing and an adhesive dressing (AAF). A 10-cm(2) artificial wound bed, created using a nonstick absorbent pad, was applied to the lower back of 24 healthy volunteers and the tip of a 23-gauge catheter was inserted into the pad to administer AWF.

Assessment of diaper-clogging potential of petrolatum moisture barriers.

Petrolatum-based ointments often are used to treat and prevent incontinence dermatitis. However, anecdotal reports indicate that petrolatum ointments may affect the absorbency of disposable briefs also commonly used in incontinence management. To examine whether petrolatum ointments clog a commonly used absorbent brief, a randomized, balanced-block design study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting to compare the brief-clogging potential of three petrolatum ointments to a non-alcohol barrier film.

A comparison of cost and efficacy of three incontinence skin barrier products.

Maintaining healthy, intact perineal skin in nursing home residents with incontinence is a challenge. Their condition puts them at risk for developing incontinence dermatitis, possibly predisposing them to develop pressure ulcers. To examine the cost-effectiveness of three perineal skin barriers (a polymer-based barrier film and two petrolatum ointments) used to prevent incontinence dermatitis, a 6-month descriptive study was conducted among residents (N = 250) from four long-term care facilities (nursing homes) in the upper Midwestern US.