A randomized trial of cadexomer iodine in decubitus ulcers

Thirty-four patients with decubitus ulcers were studied in a randomized trial to compare topical cadexomer iodine with the standard decubitus ulcer treatments used in the participating hospitals. There was a significant reduction of ulcer area with both treatments within three weeks; however, eight of 16 patients treated with cadexomer iodine had a reduction of ulcer area of more than 50 per cent, compared with one of 18 patients treated with the standard treatment (P less than 0.01). Twenty-seven patients continued the same treatment for five more weeks, during which time six in the cadexomer iodine group healed, compared with one in the standard treatment group (P less than 0.05). Cadexomer iodine was superior to the standard treatment in removing pus and debris from the ulcer surface and in reducing pain at the ulcer site. It was found to be easy both to apply and to remove from the ulcers and did not stain skin or clothing. Transient smarting during the first hour after application was reported by three patients, and one patient complained of skin irritation. The results show that cadexomer iodine applied daily has a debriding effect on decubitus ulcers and accelerates healing.