OBJECTIVES: 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.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the clinical systematic review. Eleven were case series, with one randomized controlled trial, one retrospective matched observational study, and one retrospective cohort study. The studies investigated eight superabsorbent dressings and were heterogenous in their patient population and outcomes. Superabsorbent dressings may result in favorable 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.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from case series indicates that the use of superabsorbent wound dressings may result in favorable outcomes, including reductions in both the frequency of dressing changes and pain scores. Furthermore, cost-utility studies indicate superabsorbent wound dressings are a more cost-effective option for the treatment of chronic ulcers compared with standard dressings.