References
Benefits of sucrose octasulfate (TLC-NOSF) dressings in the treatment of chronic wounds: a systematic review
Abstract
Objective:
Management of chronic wounds remains one of the major challenges for health professionals and patients. An evidence-based decision is important to ensure that patients are receiving the best treatment proven to reduce healing time and improve outcomes, including economic benefits and patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Due to recent restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including closure of wound care centres within hospitals and a drop in patient volume, chronic wound management needs simple-to-use dressings which are still effective and evidence-based solutions. This systematic review was conducted to identify the clinical evidence available on a sucrose octasulfate dressing (TLC-NOSF, UrgoStart dressing range, Laboratoires Urgo, France) to explore its efficacy in the management of chronic wounds, particularly lower limb ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.
Method:
A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar was conducted based on the PICO model (patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes) to retrieve publications of different levels of evidence in order to evaluate outcomes of the use of TLC-NOSF dressings.
Results:
A total of 21 publications of different levels, ranging from double-blind randomised control trials to case reports, involving over 12,000 patients, were identified through PubMed, with a further eight publications through Google Scholar and two publications through Cochrane Library. A total of seven results were omitted due to the lack of relevance or repetition.
Conclusion:
All the evidence provided suggest that these dressings provide clinicians with an evidence-based option for the management of chronic wounds; that the TLC-NOSF dressings are beneficial in promoting the healing process, reducing healing times, enhancing patients' HRQoL, and in allowing a more cost-effective procedure.
Chronic wounds present a real challenge to clinicians involved in wound management, not only for those health professionals who work in wound care centres, but for general practitioners and community nurses who regularly manage these types of wounds.1,2 Chronic wounds also place a financial burden on healthcare systems and, perhaps more importantly, they have devastating effects on patients and their families.3 This challenge has been increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a workforce shortage, repurposing of health professionals from ‘non-essential’ services such as wound care, as well as an estimated 40% drop in patient volume as patients choose not to expose themselves to the risk of infection.4 However, it is essential that patients with chronic wounds still receive appropriate care while minimising their need to visit hospital or other healthcare settings.5
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