pem pearl: Laceration repair
In a single center randomized comparison, these authors looked at parental-perceived wound cosmesis at 3 months. They also evaluated as secondary outcomes pain during the procedure, ED LOS, and patient satisfaction. All had LET applied and the wounds thoroughly irrigated. In order to qualify for the study, lacerations had to be simple, as defined by a length of <5cm, width of <0.5cm as well as a wound <12 hours old.
Dermabond won a close competition that did not reach statistical significance, though they state there is a "clinical difference" as defined by a score difference of >15 on the 100 point visual-analog scale they used (Dermabond scored 86, sutures 70, steri strips 67). Dermabond similarly won the pain and satisfaction scores, and there was no ED LOS difference.
Notably, this was a small study with only 55 patients enrolled, and only 30 that actually followed up at 3 months.
Bottom line: in this small, randomized trial, Dermabond showed non-clinically signifcant improved outcomes compared to stitches and steri-strips in terms of pain, patient satisfaction and cosmetic results at 3 months as interpreted by parents for simple lacerations. Keep using dermabond for these simple lacs, and have this data in your back pocket to reassure parents when needed.
Dermabond won a close competition that did not reach statistical significance, though they state there is a "clinical difference" as defined by a score difference of >15 on the 100 point visual-analog scale they used (Dermabond scored 86, sutures 70, steri strips 67). Dermabond similarly won the pain and satisfaction scores, and there was no ED LOS difference.
Notably, this was a small study with only 55 patients enrolled, and only 30 that actually followed up at 3 months.
Bottom line: in this small, randomized trial, Dermabond showed non-clinically signifcant improved outcomes compared to stitches and steri-strips in terms of pain, patient satisfaction and cosmetic results at 3 months as interpreted by parents for simple lacerations. Keep using dermabond for these simple lacs, and have this data in your back pocket to reassure parents when needed.
