Use of DACC-coated wound dressings in the reduction of surgical site infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim: 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.