Summary
A modeling study built on a 17-patient trial estimated that a hypochlorous acid wound cleanser (Vashe) avoids one wound complication for every two patients treated, at about $100 extra cost, compared with saline.
Key points
- The model used data from a small randomized trial: 9 patients irrigated with the cleanser and 8 with saline during ultrasonic debridement of complex wounds.
- Complications at 14 days fell 55% with the cleanser (25% against 80% with saline in the model inputs).
- Number needed to treat was 2, at about $50 extra per patient.
- The authors list limits: one center, a very small sample, 14 days of follow-up, and a broad definition of complication.
- A cost model, not new patient data.