This prospective, randomized study assessed the clinical, microbiological, and patient comfort characteristics of two
silver-based topical agents in the management of partial-thickness
burn wounds. Pediatric patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either
SilvaSorb Gel (Medline Industries, Munedelein, IL) or
Silvadene silver sulfadiazine cream (King
Pharmaceuticals, Bristol, TN) for up to 21 days or to the point of full reepithelialization of the
wound. Inclusion criteria were patients ranging in age from 2 months to 18 years with TBSA ranging from 1 up to 40%. A total of 24 patients were enrolled and completed the study. Findings demonstrated that the use of
SilvaSorb Gel was associated with less
pain and greater patient satisfaction when compared with
Silvadene. No statistically significant differences were found when assessing the rate of
infection, time to reepithelialization, or the number of dressings changes required during treatment. The reduction of
pain and improved overall patient satisfaction with the use of
SilvaSorb Gel compared with
Silvadene indicates an important role for
SilvaSorb Gel in treatment of partial-thickness
burns in a pediatric population.