Comparison of the treatment of hydrocolloid and saline gauze for pressure ulcer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE To determine the hydrocolloid dressing versus saline gauze for the treatment of pressure ulcer. METHODS Pubmed and Web of Knowledge were searched for randomized controlled trials for the treatment of hydrocolloid and saline gauze for pressure ulcer. The random effect model was used. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. RESULTS Seven randomized controlled trials involving a total of 329 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The combined results suggested that significant association in complete healing were detected among hydrocolloid dressings and saline gauze [Summary RR=2.20, 95% CI=1.21-4.02, I(2)=48.5%]. The associations were also significant when we only combine the results for ulcers healed and the treatment duration of 8-12 weeks. No publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis suggested that the use of hydrocolloid dressing increased the likelihood of complete healing by more than two-fold compared with saline gauze dressing.