Aquacel Versus Iodoform Gauze for Filling Abscess Cavity Following Incision and Drainage

Valleywise Health

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 2

Conditions: Cellulitis; Abscess

Treatments: Device: Type of dressing - Aquacel; Device: Type of dressing - Iodoform

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00984022

2008-003

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study compares Aquacel against routine Iodoform packing for packing abscess cavities after incision and drainage. It is hypothesized that Aquacel will produce speedier healing of the abscess.

Full description

The large increase in the incidence of skin and soft tissue infections cause by methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has produced a corresponding increase in the number of ED patients presenting with abscesses that require incision and drainage. This study compares Aquacel against routine Iodoform packing for packing abscess cavities after incision and drainage. It is hypothesized that Aquacel will produce speedier healing of the abscess. More effective abscess healing will reduce the need for oral antibiotic coverage, which will in turn reduce the potential for drug resistance caused by indiscriminate use of oral antibiotics.

Enrollment: 92 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• presenting to Maricopa Medical Center ED with cutaneous abscess requiring incision and drainage

Exclusion criteria

• known sensitivity to Aquacel
• pregnant, nursing, or expecting to become pregnant
• incarcerated patient
• prior treatment of same abscess with incision and drainage
• multiple abscesses
• immunodeficiency
• facial abscess
• suspected osteomyelitis or septic arthritis
• diabetic foot, decubitis, or ischaemic ulcers
• unable to provide informed consent or assent

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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92 participants in 2 patient groups

Iodoform dressing

Active Comparator group

Description:

Iodoform dressing for cutaneous abscess

Treatment:

Device: Type of dressing - Iodoform

Aquacel dressing

Active Comparator group

Description:

Aquacel dressing for cutaneous abscess

Treatment:

Device: Type of dressing - Aquacel