The efficacy and safety of Polyhexanide compared to other wound dressings in patients with various wound types: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyhexanide or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) for management of various wound types compared to other dressings.Methods A literature search was conducted in journal databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov.We included intervention studies that evaluated the use of polyhexanide topical preparations in wound healing until November 2024.Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool 2 (RoB2) and ROBINS-I.Quantitative analysis was carried out using Review Manager version 5.4.Results Eighteen studies were included, comprising randomised controlled trials and cohort studies with sample sizes ranging from 12 to 146 patients.Five studies were eligible for meta-analysis.Healing time was significantly faster in polyhexanide group compared to controls (MD -14.84 days; 95% CI -31.30, 1.62; p=0.08).While there was no significant difference (Odds ratio 0.76; 95%, CI 0.23, 2.48; p=0.65), the bacterial burden reduction was higher in PHMB-treated wounds (p=0.04).Conclusion Polyhexanide demonstrated significantly faster healing time in treatment of various types of wounds.It also had multiple advantages, such as its transparent properties, antimicrobial activity, and reduced pain compared to other treatments.Further studies may be needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety of PHMB for various wound types.

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