Comparative Study of Acticoat(R) & Allevyn(R) on Infected Full-thickness Wound of the Rat Skin

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Allevyn(R)(Smith & Nephew, England) is a type of polyurethane foam material with good wound discharge absorption. Acticoat(R)(Smith & Nephew, England) is a silver coated dressing material which is effective in infected wound. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of dry gauze, Acticoat(R) and Allevyn(R) on infected full-thickness wound healing in rat. METHODS: One hundred and twenty rats were divided into 3 groups group I(dressing with dry gauze, n=40), group II(dressing with Allevyn(R), n=40), group III(dressing with Acticoat(R), n=40). A 15x15mm square full-thickness wound was made on the dorsum and left open for 24 hours. The size of wound defects were measured each dressing changes. The histological evaluation was performed on the 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day, 21th day. RESULTS: After the wound was left open for 24 hours, typical findings of bacterial infection was observed. After the 7th day, group III showed larger area of epithelialization, smaller defect size compared to those of two other groups. Complete replacement by fibrotic scar tissue was observed in group III with no signs of inflammation on the 14th day. By day 21, the average defect size in group III was decreased from initial 100% to 3.63%. while in group I and II, it was decreased to 62.66% and 53.62%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acticoat(R) is an effective tool in the treatment of infected wound.