Effect of calcium alginate dressings on partial-thickness wounds in swine

The epithelization of partial-thickness wounds (PTW) has been shown to be enhanced with the use of moisture-retentive dressings (MRD), and not with nonmoisture-retentive dressings (NMRD) like gauze. This study was designed to explore this effect using two different alginate products with and without MRDs. We evaluated these alginate dressings under a polyurethane film dressing (FMRD) and under an NMRD gauze. They were compared to hydrocolloid moisture-retentive dressings (HMRD). Twelve PTW measuring 22 x 22 x 0.5 mm were made on the dorsum of six swine with a Castroviejo dermatome. Return of the epithelial barrier function was measured with an EP1 ServoMed evaporimeter. On postoperative day 4, the first alginate product under the NMRD and under the FMRD had a significantly slower healing rate than the HMRDs. By postoperative day 7, the second alginate product under the NMRD had a poorer rate of epidermal wound healing than the HMRD. Our results indicate that these alginate products have a satisfactory partial-thickness wound healing capability when used under MRDs. When used under MRDs, the return of the epithelial barrier function is delayed, indicating that these dressings should not be used on dry wounds or under gauze dressings.