Negative-pressure wound therapy: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT), a wound is covered with an airtight dressing, and negative pressure is applied. This is thought to promote healing. We evaluated NPWT with an updated, systematic review of the literature.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of NPWT for the treatment of acute or chronic wounds. The primary outcome was complete wound closure.

Results

We found reports of 9 RCTs in addition to the 12 covered by earlier IQWiG reviews of this topic. Five of the 9 new trials involved NPWT systems that are not on the market. The frequency of complete wound closure is stated in only 5 of the 9 new reports; a statistically significant effect in favor of NPWT wa

SUBMITTER: Peinemann F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3123764 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature