The Effect of Amniotic Membrane on the Healing of Cesarean Wounds: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> Along with an increase in the rate of cesarean sections, the complications and problems associated with this procedure have also increased in Iran. Factors such as complications associated with caesarean scars, the high cost of chemical treatments, and failure of medications in treatments have led to an increased use of traditional and biological therapies in the healing and preventing of cesarean wound infections. <strong>Objective:</strong> To determine the effect of an amniotic membrane dressing on cesarean wound healing. <strong>Methods:</strong> This study is a prospective, randomized double-blind clinical trial. Patients participating in the study were women who underwent cesarean sections at Amir-al-Momenin Hospital in Gerash, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (N = 45 for each group). In one group, the cesarean wound was dressed using an amniotic membrane; in the control group, the dressing was performed using a simple dressing. The wound healing was assessed by the Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation (REEDA) scale 24 hours and 8 days after the cesarean procedure. <strong>Results:</strong> The average REEDA score, reflecting wound healing was significantly different between the groups 24 hours after the cesarean section, which proved to be less in the amniotic membrane group (.00 ± .00 vs. 0.60 ± 1.30; P = .003). However, on the 8th day after the cesarean section, there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.078). <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The findings of this study showed that the application of an amniotic membrane dressing can be helpful in early stage wound healing of cesarean.