A Glycerin Hydrogel-Based Wound Dressing Prevents Peristomal Infections After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A Prospective, Randomized Study

Background: Despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics, peristomal infection is the most common complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). A new glycerin hydrogel (GHG) wound dressing has been proposed to possess more effective antimicrobial properties but has not been tested in a larger trial. The aim of the study was therefore to assess the superiority of GHG regarding the incidence of peristomal wound infections during a 30-day postprocedure follow-up. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with cancer undergoing PEG were recruited from 1 university and 2 general hospitals between January 2007 and December 2008. Patients were randomized to group 1 (34 patients), which received GHG, or group 2 (34 patients), which received a traditional wound dressing. Dressing changes were done at day 1 and weeks 1, 2, and 4 (group 1) vs daily changes during week 1 and at weeks 2 and 4 (group 2). The PEG site was assessed by using 2 different infection scores. Results: At the end of the first and second weeks, a statistically significant reduction of the mean infection scores was seen in patients with GHG wound dressings (first week: 1.64 +/- 1.6 vs 3.12 +/- 2.69, P < .008; second week: 1.37 +/- 1.11 vs 2.53 +/- 2.37, P < .02). After 7 days, wound reactions occurred in 14.7% in the GHG group vs 47.05% in the traditional group (p < 0.005). The GHG wound dressing required 5 times less frequent dressing changes. Conclusion: The GHG wound dressing significantly reduces peristomal wound infections and is a convenient, cost-effective alternative for wound management following PEG. (Nutr Clin Pract. 2012;27:422-425)