Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Sucralfate with New Dressings in the Treatment of Bedsores Grade 1 and 2: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract
Introduction: A pressure ulcer is a lesion caused by pressure, tension, and friction, leading to skin and tissue damage. Due to its high prevalence in hospitalized patients, especially in the ICU, it affects physical and mental health, prolongs hospitalization, and may cause disability. Various treatments exist, including pressure relief, repositioning, nutritional support, and different types of dressings. This study compared the effects of topical sucralfate and a new dressing on wound healing to identify the most effective, economical approach.
Materials and methods: This single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 30 ICU patients at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, with grade 1 and 2 pressure ulcers. Patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, or kidney disorders were excluded. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: 15 received topical sucralfate (25% gel) and 15 received a new dressing. Data were collected using patient questionnaires and the PUSH tool, and analyzed with SPSS v24.
Result: The study found that 63.3% of patients were male. Treatment duration in women was significantly longer in the new dressing group than with sucralfate. No significant age-related difference was found. For ulcers ≤ 8 cm, sucralfate reduced treatment time compared with a new dressing, whereas for ulcers > 8 cm, a new dressing was more effective. In non-secreting or low-secreting wounds, the new dressing group had a significantly longer treatment duration than the local sucralfate group. Conversely, for wounds with moderate secretion, the mean treatment duration was significantly longer in the sucralfate group than in the new dressing group. Treatment duration for all wound tissues (closed, epithelial and granulation, slough and necrotic) was shorter with the new dressing.
Conclusion: In patients with grade 1 and 2 pressure ulcers, except in wounds > 8 cm or with moderate secretions, topical sucralfate, compared with the new dressing, decreased treatment duration and led to improvement within a short time.