New ICU Study Finds Simple Adhesive Step Cuts Jugular Line Dressing Failures Nearly in Half

Adding Mastisol Liquid Adhesive improves dressing durability, reduces changes, saves costs — with promising signs for infection prevention

FERNDALE, Mich., Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A multicenter randomized controlled trial published in Critical Care Medicine has found that adding Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive — a gum mastic adhesive marketed by Eloquest Healthcare — to standard jugular central line dressings cut dressing failure rates nearly in half, extended wear time more than twofold, and saved hospitals money, while suggesting potential infection-prevention benefits.

The STICKY Trial, led by Nicole Marsh, RN, PhD, showed that Mastisol reduced premature dressing failure from 50% in the control group to 28% in the intervention group. Median wear time jumped from 23.8 hours to 58.5 hours, and fewer dressing changes resulted in an average per-patient savings of AUD $11.02 in material and labor costs.

"Maintaining effective dressing securement of central venous catheters (CVCs) in intensive care is a clinical priority," said Dr. Marsh. "Our study demonstrated that Mastisol kept dressings intact longer and reduced unnecessary changes. That means the insertion wound stays continually protected from contamination, and the risk of catheter dislodgement is reduced as well."

Why Jugular Lines Are a Challenge
Jugular CVCs are among the hardest lines to keep securely dressed due to constant neck movement, limited space for dressing placement, and the pull of multiple infusion lines. Frequent dressing disruptions can increase the risk of the central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), which, based on current estimates, may add USD $48,000 to a hospital stay—though reported costs vary widely—and significantly raise patient morbidity and mortality.

Mastisol provides extra adhesion at the dressing border, helping prevent edge lift and maintaining a consistent barrier to protect the insertion site.

A Complementary Body of Evidence
The STICKY Trial results align with a quality improvement initiative at the University of Virginia Health's cardiac surgical ICU, published in Critical Care Nurse in June 2025. Over three years, UVA reduced its CLABSI standardized infection ratio from 2.3 to 0.8 by implementing multiple measures — including improved dressing adherence with a chlorhexidine-compatible gum mastic adhesive. Together, these findings underscore the growing body of evidence that securement strategies using a gum mastic adhesive can help close a persistent gap in infection prevention.

"Reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections requires evidence-based practice translated into action at the bedside," said Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN, critical care clinical nurse specialist consultant and current president of the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses. "The STICKY Trial provides rigorous randomized controlled evidence that dressing securement alone is not enough. By incorporating a gum mastic liquid adhesive like Mastisol and adhesive remover into central line care, nurses gain a practical, evidence-based tool to strengthen dressing integrity, safeguard patients, and drive meaningful, sustainable change in clinical practice."

Economic Impact for U.S. Hospitals
In Dr. Marsh's four study hospitals, with ~5,000 annual ICU admissions (and 60% of patients requiring one or more CVCs), Mastisol could save over AUD $33,000 annually in dressing-related costs. For a mid-to-large U.S. medical center with similar volumes, savings could be in the tens of thousands of dollars annually. With more than five million central venous catheters placed annually in the U.S., and the internal jugular vein among the most commonly used sites, the potential national cost savings are substantial.

Why It Matters for Infection Prevention
Fewer dressing changes mean fewer opportunities for site contamination. In the trial's microbiological substudy, insertion-site colonization rates were halved in the Mastisol group, reinforcing the need for larger infection-focused studies.

As Vollman noted, the findings resonate beyond a single trial: "Every time we extend dressing life and reduce disruptions, we strengthen protection at the insertion site and simplify the nurse's workflow. That kind of evidence-based, practical improvement is how we create sustainable change at the bedside."

Resources:
Mastisol Scientific Infographic

About Mastisol®
Mastisol Liquid Adhesive is a latex-free, non-water-soluble gum mastic adhesive. Compatible with chlorhexidine, it is designed to secure dressings, tapes, and devices, helping prevent dressing lift and displacement that can expose insertion sites to contaminants.

About Eloquest Healthcare
Eloquest Healthcare, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferndale Pharma Group, Inc., offers simple solutions that enhance clinical outcomes, elevate quality of care, reduce total cost of care, and improve staff efficiency. More information is available at www.eloquesthealthcare.com.

Sidebar: Trial Highlights

• Dressing failure rate: Reduced from 50% → 28%
• Median wear time: Increased from 23.8 hrs → 58.5 hrs
• Cost savings: ~AUD $11 per patient in materials and nursing time
• Microbiological findings: 40% colonization in Mastisol group vs. 80% in standard care group
  (underpowered for statistical significance)

References
Marsh N, et al. Crit Care Med. 2025;53(2): e282-e293.

 AHRQ. 2017. https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/pfp/haccost2017-results.html

Mazzeffi M, et al. Crit Care Nurse. 2025;45(3):11-22.

 Deere M, et al. StatPearls. 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482224/

Contacts: Liz Dowling
Dowling & Dennis PR
760-822-3412
or
Crysta Seneski
Eloquest Healthcare, Inc.
248-586-8482

SOURCE Eloquest Healthcare