Effect of Copper on Healing of Obstetric wounds (ECHO trial)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Randomised controlled trial on the effect of copper impregnated dressings on the healing of obstetric wounds and wound infection
IRAS ID
173096
Contact name
Abdul Sultan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Croydon Health Services
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The most common complication of vaginal delivery is perineal tearing with a prevalence of 85% and 70% will need suturing. The caesarean section rate worldwide is rising and the rate in Croydon University Hospital is in the region of 25% of all deliveries. One in ten women will develop a wound infection of their perineal tear of caesarean section wound. Wound infection can cause pain, dehiscence, delayed wound healing, prolonged hospital stay, readmissions and interfere with a woman's ability to nurture their baby and enjoy motherhood. Copper has shown to have strong antimicrobial properties, with the ability to kill various bacteria including MRSA. It has also been shown that copper promotes new blood vessel formation and therefore enhance wound healing. We plan to perform a study to investigate the effect of copper impregnated dressings on wound infection. Women will be randomised for a wound dressing or maternity pad with (study group) or without copper (control group). Both the clinician and the woman will be blinded to the randomised group. Wound infection will be assessed via a telephone questionnaire after 7, 14 and 30 days after delivery. When wound infection is suspected, based on the questionnaire, a swab of the wound site will be taken to detect the causative bacteria.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1291
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion