Use of DACC-coated wound dressings in the reduction of surgical site infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Aims To assess the evidence from randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that have studied the use of DACC-coated dressings in reducing surgical site infection (SSI). Methods A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies comparing DACC-coated dressings against a non-DACC-coated dressing were considered for inclusion. All studies meeting eligibility criteria were assessed for risk of bias. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted on the SSI outcome, with a sensitivity analysis conducted to assess influence of individual studies. Study homogeneity and the relationship between control and intervention treatments was explored via Galbraith and L’Abbé plots. Results Five studies were identified for inclusion. All were considered low or medium risk of bias. The synthesised odds ratio for SSI was 0.59 (95% CI 0.46, 0.75); hence odds of SSI were almost halved in patients treated with DACC-coated dressings. The quality of the evidence as rated as high, with results indicating high levels of consistency, precision and directness, in conjunction with the risk of bias findings. Conclusions DACC-coated dressings are effective in reducing SSI after surgery.