A Randomized Trial of Cadexomer Iodine in Decubitus Ulcers

Abstract

Thirty-four patients with decubitus ulcers were studied in a randomized trial to compare topical cadexomer iodine with the standard decubitus ulcer treatments used in the participating hospitals. There was a significant reduction of ulcer area with both treatments within three weeks; however, eight of 16 patients treated with cadexomer iodine had a reduction of ulcer area of more than 50 per cent, compared with one of 18 patients treated with the standard treatment (P less than 0.01). Twenty-seven patients continued the same treatment for five more weeks, during which time six in the cadexomer iodine group healed, compared with one in the standard treatment group (P less than 0.05). Cadexomer iodine was superior to the standard treatment in removing pus and debris from the ulcer surface and in reducing pain at the ulcer site. It was found to be easy both to apply and to remove from the ulcers and did not stain skin or clothing. Transient smarting during the first hour after application was reported by three patients, and one patient complained of skin irritation. The results show that cadexomer iodine applied daily has a debriding effect on decubitus ulcers and accelerates healing.

Chronic Wound Healing: A Review of Current Management and Treatments

“…Similarly, iodine-containing compounds have long been used in wound healing but there have been some concerns with toxicity of iodine-containing compounds, especially over large wound areas. For limited wounds, though, cadexomer iodine (iodine within a starch lattice formed into microbeads) has a good deal of data supporting its use as a cost-effective adjuvant for wound healing [27, 28]. …”

Starch‐based biomaterials for wound‐dressing applications

“…Several studies have found that CI is an effective debriding and antiseptic agent for chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers 60–65. When CI is used as a dressing, it removes pus, debris, and wound exudates from wounds and reduces bacterial counts 66.…”

Sildenafil in the treatment of pressure ulcer: a randomised clinical trial

“…Several types of topical formulations have been recommended for PrU prophylaxis or treatment. Topical formulations of zinc sulphate , aluminium hydroxide , oxyquinoline , cadexomer , phenytoin solution , ointment of live yeast cell derivative , cream of barley extract , vitamin A ointment , topical insulin and dialysate have been demonstrated to accelerate the wound healing process. In addition, wound environment modulators such as protease‐modulating matrix and acute wound factors such as recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor , nerve growth factor , transforming growth factor beta , granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and fibroblast growth factor accelerate the healing process of pressure wounds and offer great promise.…”