Systematic review of topical interventions for the management of odour in patients with chronic or malignant fungating wounds

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Gethin, G
Vellinga, A
McIntosh, C
Sezgin, D
Probst, S
Murphy, L
Carr, P
Ivory, J
Cunningham, S
Oommen, AM
Joshi, L
Ffrench, C
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2022
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Chronic wounds adversely affect the quality of life of individuals and odour is a well-recognised associated factor. Odour can affect sleep, well-being, social interactions, diet and potentially wound healing. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of topical interventions in the management of odour associated with chronic and malignant fungating wounds. A systematic review guided by PRISMA recommendations of randomised controlled trials where odour intensity/odour is the primary outcome was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were adults (18 years and over) with chronic venous, arterial, diabetic or pressure ulcers or with malignant fungating wounds where odour has been managed through topical application of pharmacological/non-pharmacological agents. Searches were conducted in CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility screening, risk of bias assessment and data extraction was completed by authors working independently. Searches retrieved 171 titles and abstracts (157 post de-duplication). Thirteen studies were retained for full text review of which five (n = 137 individuals) examining the following treatments remained: metronidazole (n = 4), silver (n = 1). Meta-analysis was not possible but individual studies suggest improved outcomes (i.e., reduced odour) using metronidazole. Treatment options to manage wound odour are limited and hampered by lack of clinical trials, small sample sizes, and absence of standardised outcomes and consistent measurement. Whereas metronidazole and silver may have a role in controlling wound odour, robust and well-designed interventions with rigorous procedures and standardised odour outcomes are necessary to evaluate their contribution.

Journal Title

Journal of Tissue Viability

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note

This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.

Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Clinical sciences

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Gethin, G; Vellinga, A; McIntosh, C; Sezgin, D; Probst, S; Murphy, L; Carr, P; Ivory, J; Cunningham, S; Oommen, AM; Joshi, L; Ffrench, C, Systematic review of topical interventions for the management of odour in patients with chronic or malignant fungating wounds, Journal of Tissue Viability, 2022

Collections