Verification of the effectiveness of silver dressings to prevent reinfection of skin ulcers after debridement.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To test the usefulness of silver dressings in patients with skin ulcers in the healing phase after debridement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

After randomly selected a group of 30 patients and divided them into three groups (A, B and C) according to the type and severity of the ulcer, we used respectively for each group antiseptics-free dressings, hydrofiber dressings with a low or a high content of silver. Then we performed samples by aspiration from the bottom of the wound three times (zero time, after two weeks, after a month) to prepare bacterial cultures.

RESULTS:

In group A, 5 ulcers showed signs of critical colonization after two weeks and 2 of these showed evidence of infection without progression to healing after a month. In groups B and C, no ulcer showed signs of infection with negative cultures. In these two groups, wounds evolved towards healing.

CONCLUSIONS:

Silver dressings seem to be the best option for the prevention of reinfection of skin ulcers; silver concentration should vary according to the degree of ulcer contamination. Dressings with hydrofibers avoid the accumulation of secretions for bacterial growth which would compromise tissue repair.

• Authors: Domenico Parmeggiani, Marco Apperti, Luigi Goffredi, Nicola Avenia, Imma Madonna, Pasquale Ambrosino, Roberto Peltrini, Sarah Apperti, Andrea Fiore, Umberto Parmeggiani
• Journal: Annali italiani di chirurgia (Ann Ital Chir) 2013 May-Jun Vol. 84 Issue 3 Pg. 295-7 ISSN: 2239-253X [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 23190707 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Silver Compounds

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bandages
• Debridement
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Care
• Secondary Prevention
• Silver Compounds (therapeutic use)
• Skin Diseases, Infectious (complications, prevention & control, surgery)
• Skin Ulcer (complications, surgery)