| Outcomes at 1–6 weeks | Number of trials (n) | Comparisons | Weighted event rates | RRR (95% CI) | NNT (CI) |
| Infection | 3† (1338) | Tap water v saline | 4.4% v 7% | 37% (1 to 60) | 39 (24 to 1432) |
| 1‡ (49) | Tap water v saline | 0% v 12% | 84% (−196 to 99) | Not significant | |
| 1 (55) | Distilled water v saline | 17% v 35% | 51% (−26 to 81) | Not significant | |
| 1 (51) | Cool boiled water v saline | 29% v 35% | 17% (−87 to 63) | Not significant | |
| Healing | 1‡ (49) | Tap water v saline | 35% v 62% | 43% (−7 to 70) | Not significant |
| RRI (CI) | NNH | ||||
| Infection | 1 (66) | Distilled v cool boiled water | 29% v 17% | 69% (−32 to 322) | Not significant |
*Abbreviations defined in glossary. RRR, RRI, NNT, NNH, and CI calculated from data in article using a fixed-effects model.
†2 RCTs and 1 quasi-RCT that evaluated acute wounds.
‡RCT evaluated chronic wounds.
*Abbreviations defined in glossary. RRR, RRI, NNT, NNH, and CI calculated from data in article using a fixed-effects model.
†2 RCTs and 1 quasi-RCT that evaluated acute wounds.
‡RCT evaluated chronic wounds.