The Use of Biatain Ag in Hard-to-Heal Venous Leg Ulcers: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Venous leg ulcers are common, troublesome, and their failure to heal is often related to a heavy bio-burden. Ionized silver has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The ulcer healing properties of the silver releasing foam dressing Biatain Ag has been examined in 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Aim: To evaluate ulcer healing through a meta-analytic approach after treatment with either Biatain Ag or a non-active dressing. Patients and Methods: 685 subjects with pure or mixed hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Biatain Ag showed a significant treatment effect (p<0.0001), responder rate (p<0.001), and healing rate (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The meta-analysis of the 4 RCTs provided statistical significant evidence to support the use of Biatain Ag dressing in treatment of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers. © 2013 Leaper et al.