Authors' objectives:

This aim of this report was to assess the effectiveness of a dressing moistened with sodium hypochlorite (Dakins) solution compared to other dressings in improving wound healing.

Authors' recommendations: - No systematic reviews or meta-analyses that evaluated the effectiveness of a dressing moistened with sodium hypochlorite (Dakins) solution in wound management were identified. Only two randomised controlled trials and one comparative study were identified. These studies were conducted in a hospital setting involving inpatients in three different countries (Australia, United Kingdom, USA). The sample size varied from 36 inpatients in Australia (Cannavo et al, 1998) to 75 inpatients in the UK (Walker et al, 1991). - Based on the findings from the three studies, no significant improvement in wound healing is associated with the use of dressing moistened with sodium hypochlorite (Dakins) solution compared to other dressings. - The study subjects in the three studies had different types of wounds. Cannavo et al (1998) evaluated three types of wound dressings (Calcium alginate, a gauze moistened with Dakins solution, combine-dressing pad) in patients with surgical abdominal suture line with wound. Walker et al (1991) assessed the effectiveness of Eusol-soaked gauze and Silastic foam dressings in patients with either pilonidal sinus or abscess. Gorse & Messner (1987) compared the effectiveness of hydrocolloid dressing and Dakins solution wet to dry dressing in patients with pressure sores of grade 2, 3 or 4. - To date, there is no strong evidence to suggest that sodium hypochlorite (Dakins) dressings are better than other types of dressings in improving wound healing or for treating any kind of wound (infected, necrotic, or necrotic and infected).

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/healthservices/cce/evidence/

Year Published: 2000

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Centre for Clinical Effectiveness

Contact Address: Monash Institute of Health Services Research, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, Locked Bag 29, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia. Tel: +61 3 9594 7505; Fax: +61 3 9594 7552.

Contact Name: cce@med.monash.edu.au.

Contact Email: cce@med.monash.edu.au.

Copyright: Centre for Clinical Effectiveness (CCE)