Effective exudate management is key for optimal ulcer healing. Superabsorbent dressings
are designed to have high fluid handling capacity, reduced risk of exudate leakage,
fluid retention under compression, and to sequester harmful exudate components. This
study aimed to systematically identify existing evidence for the clinical efficacy
and cost-effectiveness of superabsorbent dressings for the treatment of moderate-to-highly
exudating chronic ulcers of various etiologies. The aim is focused on examining the
'class' effect of all superabsorbers, not any particular dressing. Clinical and cost
effectiveness systematic reviews were conducted, searching Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane
Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The Cost
Effectiveness Analysis Registry and Econ papers were also searched for the economic
review. Outcomes of interest included ulcer closure, dressing properties, hospital-
and infection-related outcomes, safety, and economic outcomes. Fourteen studies were
included in the clinical systematic review. Eleven were case series, with one randomised
controlled trial, one retrospective matched observational study, and one retrospective
cohort study. The studies investigated eight superabsorbent dressings and were heterogeneous
in their patient population and outcomes. Superabsorbent dressings may result in favourable
outcomes, including reductions in frequency of dressing change and pain scores. As
most studies were case series, drawing firm conclusions was difficult due to absence
of a comparator arm. The economic systematic review identified seven studies, five
of which were cost-utility analyses. These suggested superabsorbent dressings are
a more cost-effective option for the treatment of chronic ulcers compared with standard
dressings. However, the small number and low quality of studies identified in both
reviews highlights the need for future research.
