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| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami M Mangion |
| Abstract | Aim: To assess the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Penzim gel, a skin preparation that consists of an enzyme extracted from fish, in the treatment of pressure sores. Method: A clinical study was carried out over 25 weeks and involved 50 wounds. The wounds were divided into two equal groups, A and B. Group A patients were treated with Penzim gel while conventional treatment was used for Group B patients. The clinical efficacy of the products in the two groups was assessed by measuring pressure sores colour and volume. The total cost of items used for each sore was identified and the average nursing time for dressing change was calculated. Results: The mean width of the pressure sores in Group A was significantly smaller than that of Group B in the final weeks of the study according to the Mann-Whitney test (p value 0.022-0.045). The mean Departmenth of the pressure sores in group A was found to be significantly higher than that of Group B (p value 0.0013-0.0386). The wound colour appeared to be significantly better for Group A for various weeks (p value 0.019-0.04). The cost of Penzim gel was estimated to be 78 Euro per cc and the cost of conventional treatment was 92 Euro per cc. Conclusion: The enzyme extracted from fish contained in Penzim gel was found to be significantly more effective and cost-effective than conventional treatment used in the management of pressure sores. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | cost effectiveness, efficacy, fish enzyme gel, pharmacy, pressure sores |