Major Research Findings

Azacitidine is a drug used to treat higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). 2 This drug helps improve survival, reduce transfusion dependency, and reduce the risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. 2 However, azacitidine can cause side effects, including injection site reactions, low blood counts, and gastrointestinal effects. 2

Polyurethane foam dressings may be used to reduce local side effects from subcutaneous azacitidine injection. 1 In a randomized controlled trial, patients who used polyurethane foam dressings had significantly lower injection site pain and local skin reactions than those who received conventional treatment. 1 Polyurethane foam dressings were shown to reduce the duration of local pain and adverse reactions and the incidence of severe reactions. 1 These results suggest that polyurethane foam dressings may be effective in reducing local side effects from subcutaneous azacitidine injection, relieving pain, shortening the duration of local pain and adverse reactions, and improving the quality of nursing. 1

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Polyurethane foam dressings may help reduce local side effects from subcutaneous azacitidine injection. 1 The use of these dressings may lead to decreased injection site pain and local skin reactions and shorten their duration. 1 They may also decrease the incidence of severe reactions. 1

Risk Summary

Specific risks associated with the use of polyurethane foam dressings were not reported in the current research. 1 However, as with all medical procedures, there is a potential for risks such as allergic reactions or skin irritation. 1

Comparison of Studies

Similarities in Studies

All of these studies indicate that azacitidine is an effective drug for treating MDS. 2 In addition, they show that azacitidine can cause side effects such as injection site reactions, low blood counts, and gastrointestinal effects. 2

Differences in Studies

These studies differ in terms of their design and subjects. 1 2 The study in 1 is a randomized controlled trial that compares patients who use polyurethane foam dressings to those who receive conventional treatment. is a case report that describes a patient with MDS who developed polycyclic Sweet's syndrome at the injection sites of azacitidine. 2 is a practice standard designed to support Canadian oncology nurses in the key areas of counseling for patients initiating and continuing azacitidine, as well as nursing strategies for prevention and management of azacitidine-associated AEs. 2

Consistency and Contradictions of Results

These studies indicate that azacitidine is an effective drug for treating MDS, and its effects may be accompanied by side effects, such as injection site reactions, low blood counts, and gastrointestinal effects. 2 Polyurethane foam dressings may be used to reduce local side effects from subcutaneous azacitidine injection. 1

Practical Application Notes

Patients receiving azacitidine treatment should be aware of the risks of side effects, such as injection site reactions. 2 Polyurethane foam dressings may help reduce these side effects. 1 However, this dressing may not be effective for everyone. 1 Talk to your doctor or nurse before receiving azacitidine injections to determine if this dressing is right for you. 1

Limitations of Current Research

There is limited research on the effectiveness of polyurethane foam dressings. 1 Larger studies are needed. 1 Additionally, these studies have been conducted only on specific types of MDS patients. 1 It is unknown whether the results of these studies apply to other types of MDS patients. 1

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the effectiveness of polyurethane foam dressings. 1 These studies should include larger patient populations and encompass a range of MDS patient types. 1

Conclusion

Azacitidine is an effective drug for treating higher-risk MDS, but it carries the risk of side effects, such as injection site reactions. 2 Polyurethane foam dressings may help reduce these side effects. 1 However, this dressing may not be effective for everyone. 1 Talk to your doctor or nurse before receiving azacitidine injections to determine if this dressing is right for you. 1