A non-comparative evaluation of a chitosan gelling fibre

An evaluation of chitosan gelling fibre dressing (KytoCel, Aspen Medical) was undertaken by tissue viability nurses in a large acute trust from December 2014—May 2015. The aim of this evaluation was to examine whether the gelling-fibre dressing can improve healing outcomes—reduction of bioburden and promotion of wound healing in both acute and chronic wounds that are infected or critically colonised. A total of 20 patients were recruited with acute and other complex wounds where wound infection was already established, or an excessive wound bioburden was delaying healing. Wound swabs were taken before and after dressing application between days 1, 3, 5 and 11 when clinically indicated, or at the surgical and medical teams' request. No more than two sets of swabs were taken in all patients. The evaluation incorporated three main criteria: patient baseline data, dressing performance, and patient perspective. Key findings were a significant reduction in wound size; rapid improvement of the quality of granulation tissue in 11 patients (55%), the reduction of the wound bioburden, and malodour combined with effective exudate management. The investigators also wanted to establish if there was a significant reduction in the identified bacteria from the initial wound swab results. Some patients were on systemic antibiotic therapy, their reduction in bacteria species may also be related to secondary dressings used. More robust investigation may be required to establish if the bacterial reduction was a result of the primary dressing.