Silicone tape versus micropore tape to prevent medical adhesive-related skin injuries: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of silicone tapes compared to microporous tapes in patients with fragile skin. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out. Clinical trials that compared silicone tape for medical use with the microporous tape in preterm newborns, newborns, children, elders, or people with increased risk of MARSI were included. This report followed the principles of the PRISMA statement. Results: Three randomized controlled trials were included. The silicone tape was associated with fewer injuries (RR = 0.53; p-value = 0.03), but no difference was found in terms of prevention of moderate or severe injuries (RR = 0.25; p-value = 0.20). Silicone tapes produce significantly less edema/erythema response than microporous tapes in children (MD = -0.42; p-value < 0.0001). The quality of evidence was considered very low. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that silicone tapes may be gentler to patients' skin than microporous tapes. However, no study reported data on the outcomes of interest. The studies have small samples, a short time horizon, and the quality of evidence was considered very low. There is insufficient information to allow the recommendation of silicone tapes to prevent skin injuries compared to microporous tapes.