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A double blind randomized controlled trial using copper impregnated maternity sanitary towels to reduce perineal wound infection.
- Source :
-
Midwifery [Midwifery] 2021 Jan; Vol. 92, pp. 102858. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Oct 23. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Objective: To investigate the effect of copper impregnated sanitary towels on the infection rate following vaginal delivery (VD).<br />Design: Single center double blind randomized controlled trial.<br />Participants: Women aged 18 or over who had a sutured second-degree tear or episiotomy following VD.<br />Interventions: All women were randomized to receive either a copper-oxide impregnated sanitary towel (study group) or a non-copper sanitary towel (control group).<br />Main Outcome Measures: The primary study outcome was the incidence of wound infection within a 30-day period from VD, assessed via telephone questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and risk factors of infection.<br />Results: 450 women were enrolled in the study of whom 225 were randomized to the copper impregnated sanitary towel (study group) and 225 to the non-copper sanitary towel (control group) group. Follow-up rate was 98.2%. A total of 102 women (23.1%) developed an infection within 30 days following VD, 19 in the study group (8.6%) and 83 (37.4%) in the control group (P = <0.001, absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 28.8%). The incidence of superficial/deep and organ/space infections was significantly lower in the study group (7.7% vs. 30.2%, P = <0.001 and 4.6% vs. 31.5%, P = <0.001 respectively) with an ARR of 22.5% and 27.0% respectively. Multivariable analysis reported Asian ethnicity and prolonged rupture of membranes as significant risk factors; for the development of infection (OR 1.91, P = 0.03 and OR = 1.97, P = 0.04 respectively).<br />Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate a significant reduction in infection rate following VD with the use of copper impregnated sanitary towels.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors declare no conflict of interest.<br /> (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Anti-Infective Agents, Local pharmacology
Anti-Infective Agents, Local therapeutic use
Copper therapeutic use
Double-Blind Method
Episiotomy adverse effects
Episiotomy methods
Female
Hospitals, University organization & administration
Hospitals, University statistics & numerical data
Humans
Menstrual Hygiene Products statistics & numerical data
Perineum abnormalities
Pregnancy
Surgical Wound Infection drug therapy
Copper pharmacology
Episiotomy instrumentation
Menstrual Hygiene Products standards
Perineum surgery
Surgical Wound Infection prevention & control
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1532-3099
- Volume :
- 92
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Midwifery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33157498
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2020.102858