Clinical effectiveness and safety of bacterial cellulose dressings in the management of skin wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jiaying Wei, Zechuan Jin, Feng Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of bacterial cellulose dressings compared with conventional treatments for skin wounds. It included 13 randomised controlled trials with 514 participants, divided equally between dressing and control groups. Wound healing duration was shorter with bacterial cellulose dressings, with a mean difference of -6.69 days. Differences in cure rates, adverse reactions and pain relief were not statistically significant. The review also reported faster wound-size reduction and fewer dressing changes, while concluding that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Key findings
- Across 13 trials and 514 participants, bacterial cellulose dressings shortened healing duration by a mean difference of -6.69 days.
- Cure rates (OR: 1.27), overall adverse reactions (OR: 0.4) and pain mitigation (OR: 2.45) did not differ significantly.
- Bacterial cellulose dressings were associated with faster wound-size reduction and fewer dressing changes.
Why it matters
Wound healing time, pain, adverse effects and dressing-change burden are relevant outcomes when evaluating wound dressings. The pooled findings suggest bacterial cellulose may improve some aspects of healing, but the lack of statistically significant differences for cure rates, adverse reactions and pain means the overall clinical benefit and safety profile remain uncertain.
What to keep in mind
The review describes the findings as preliminary and calls for larger studies. Results for cure rates, adverse reactions and pain were not statistically significant.