Effectiveness of silver in wound care treatment

Abstract

Background: Topical treatments impregnated with silver are being increasingly used in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds; however, the evidence on the effectiveness of silver wound care treatment is in question.

Objectives: To systematically review the literature examining the effectiveness of silver in wound care treatment.

Methods: Research databases were consulted including the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ProQuest, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for relevant clinical trials from 2000 to 2009. Studies deemed to have met inclusion criteria were scored using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and those scoring 4/10 or higher were included in this review.

Results: Five clinical trials were identified including three randomized control trials including a total of 410 subjects. Methodological quality ranged from 4 to 10 out of 10. All five research studies showed positive effects of the use of silver dressings or topical agents.

Conclusion: This literature review analyzed the effectiveness of sliver hydroalginate, Contreet foam, hydrofiber Ag dressings along with hyaluronic acid plus silver sulfadiazine and silver sulfadiazine topical agents in wound care. Second degree burns, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and open surgical and traumatic wounds were analyzed in the included studies. The results of this literature review demonstrate that silver dressings and topical agents are promising as safe and effective treatment methods for wound care patients throughout the treatment period in the selected studies. However, further research should be conducted to provide additional evidence on the effectiveness of silver dressings and topical agents.     

The principles of chronic wound assessment and measurement

The management of chronic diseases in the elderly population is a major challenge for professional nurses. Chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and arterial ulcers are common problems among patients with chronic diseases. This article aims to improve the knowledge base of nurses who assess and identify the etiology of chronic wounds, in the hope that an improved pool of knowledge can be drawn upon and applied in clinical practice. The article discusses patient assessment, chronic wound assessment, assessment of healing, and wound classification systems that can provide a structured approach to the management of chronic wounds. It provides a rational and systematic approach to both assessment and management that is particularly useful in the management of non-healing wounds. It can be used as a source of reference for nurses in the organization of wound management plans and the provision of better care for patients.     

The Effectiveness and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and adverse events of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in individuals with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers, lower-extremity venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers.Patients and MethodsWe searched multiple databases from database inception to June 11, 2020, for randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared PRP to any other wound care without PRP in adults with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers, lower-extremity venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers.ResultsWe included 20 randomized controlled trials and five observational studies. Compared with management without PRP, PRP therapy significantly increased complete wound closure in lower-extremity diabetic ulcers (relative risk, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.32, moderate strength of evidence [SOE]), shortened time to complete wound closure, and reduced wound area and depth (low SOE). No significant changes were found in terms of wound infection, amputation, wound recurrence, or hospitalization. In patients with lower-extremity venous ulcers or pressure ulcers, the SOE was insufficient to estimate an effect on critical outcomes, such as complete wound closure or time to complete wound closure. There was no statistically significant difference in adverse events.ConclusionAutologous PRP may increase complete wound closure, shorten healing time, and reduce wound size in individuals with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers. The evidence is insufficient to estimate an effect on wound healing in individuals with lower-extremity venous ulcers or pressure ulcers.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO Identifier: CRD42020172817     

充气加压治疗对下肢静脉性溃疡患者伤口愈合效果的Meta分析

目的 比较充气加压治疗与短延展绷带压力治疗对下肢静脉性溃疡患者伤口愈合的影响。 方法 计算机检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、CINAHL、Web of Science、中国知网、万方、维普、中国生物医学文献数据库中关于充气加压治疗与短延展绷带压力治疗对下肢静脉性溃疡患者伤口愈合效果的随机对照试验。检索时限为建库至2021年1月20日。2名研究者独立按照纳入与排除标准筛选文献、提取资料和评价方法学质量后,采用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。 结果 最终纳入6篇随机对照试验,共350例患者。Meta分析结果显示,充气加压治疗与短延展绷带压力治疗对下肢静脉性溃疡患者伤口愈合率[RR=0.88,95%CI（0.71,1.09）,P=0.25]、伤口面积变化[MD=-3.22,95%CI（-6.73,0.28）,P=0.07]、伤口愈合速度[SMD=1.45,95%CI（-0.31,3.21）,P=0.11]、不良事件发生率[RR=0.55,95%CI（0.08,3.75）,P=0.54]的影响,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论 充气加压治疗对下肢静脉性溃疡患者伤口愈合率、伤口面积变化、伤口愈合速度以及不良事件发生率的影响与短延展绷带压力治疗效果相近。本研究纳入的文献均来自国外,未来可在国内开展相关研究,进一步明确下肢静脉性溃疡患者进行充气加压治疗的可行性和适宜性。     

Pulsed electromagnetic energy in management of chronic wounds: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the evidence regarding effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic energy (PEME) on the healing of chronic wounds; to explore whether there is an optimum treatment regime with regards to total current, pulse amplitude, pulse duration, and duration and frequency of treatments.

Methods: A computerised literature search of the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE and PubMed was performed. Only randomised clinical trials (RCT), controlled trials, and clinical trials that studied a population aged 18 years of age or more and investigated the effects of a type of PEME in the management of a chronic wound were included. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed qualitatively using a set of formal criteria as recommended by van Tulder et al.

Results: Eleven studies (n=360) out of 40 were included of which six were of high methodological quality. Methodological scores ranged from one to nine (maximum 11) with a mean score of 5·5 (SD=1·73). For venous ulcers, there is strong evidence that PEME is more effective than sham PEME. For pressure and plantar ulcers, there is moderate evidence that PEME, in combination with conventional wound care is better than conventional wound care alone. The heterogeneity in duration, frequency, voltage and magnetic field made it difficult to make detailed comparisons or specific recommendations regarding its application.

Discussion: Further research should focus on controlling baseline recruitment parameters within an RCT, studying vital outcomes, and exploring combinations of parameters regarding optimum usage of PEME.     

Therapeutic effect of autologous concentrated growth factor on lower-extremity chronic refractory wounds: A case report

BACKGROUNDManagement of chronic refractory wounds is one of the toughest clinical challenges for surgeons. Because of poor blood supply, less tissue coverage, and easy exposure, the lower leg is a common site for chronic refractory wounds. The current therapeutic regimens often lead to prolonged hospital stay and higher healthcare costs. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is a novel blood extract that contains various growth factors, platelets, and fibrins to promote wound healing process. However, there has been little research reported on the treatment of lower extremity wounds with CGF.CASE SUMMARYA 37-year-old man, without any past medical history, presented an ulcerated chronic wound on his right lower leg. The skin defect exhibited clear boundaries, with a size of 2.0 cm × 3.5 cm. The depth of wound was up to the layer of deep fascia. Staphylococcus aureus was detected by bacterial culture. The final diagnosis was right lower extremity ulcers with infection. Cefathiamidine, silver sulfadiazine, and mupirocin cream were applied to control the infection. CGF gel was prepared from the patient’s blood sample, and was used to cover the wound after thorough debridement. The skin wound was successfully healed after three times of CGF treatment.CONCLUSIONCGF displays an excellent wound healing promoting effect in patients with lower-extremity chronic refractory wounds.     

Effects of Non-thermal,Non-cavitational Ultrasound Exposure on Human Diabetic Ulcer Healing and Inflammatory Gene Expression in a Pilot Study

The purpose of this clinical study was to assess, in a limited patient population, the potential for a novel advanced wound care treatment based on low-frequency (20 kHz) low-intensity (spatial peak temporal peak intensity <100 mW/cm²; i.e., pressure amplitude of 55 kPa) ultrasound (LFLI-US), to affect wound closure rate in human diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and to effect changes in the relative expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. The ratio of expression of these genes, termed the M1/M2 score because it was inspired by the transition of macrophages from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes as wound healing progresses, was previously presented as a potential healing indicator for DFUs treated with the standard of care. We previously found that non-cavitational, non-thermal LFLI-US delivered with a pulse repetition frequency of 25 Hz was effective at improving wound healing in a pilot study of 20 patients with chronic venous ulcers. In this study, we assessed the potential for weekly LFLI-US exposures to affect wound healing in patients with diabetic ulcers, and we analyzed temporal changes in the M1/M2 score in debrided diabetic wound tissue. Although this was a limited patient population of only 8 patients, wounds treated with LFLI-US exhibited a significantly faster reduction in wound size compared with sham-treated patients (p < 0.001). In addition, the value of the M1/M2 score decreased for all healing diabetic ulcers and increased for all non-healing diabetic ulcers, suggesting that the M1/M2 score could be useful as an indicator of treatment efficacy for advanced DFU treatments. Such an indicator would facilitate clinical decision making, ensuring optimal wound management and thus contributing to reduction of health care expenses. Moreover, the results presented may contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying ultrasonically assisted chronic wound healing. Knowledge of these mechanisms could lead to personalized or patient-tailored treatment.     

Treatment of a venous leg ulcer with a honey alginate dressing

The management of chronic wounds such as venous ulcers is a common and long-term issue with the aging population. Non-standard treatment that is both medically and financially effective needs to be identified. Honey has been used for its healing properties for centuries and has been used to successfully heal wounds including pressure-ulcers in our care facility. However, there is not much evidence for its use in treating venous ulcers. To this end, I trialed the use of a honey-impregnated alginate dressing on a man who had a long-standing history of venous ulcers on his leg with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of honey as an alternative treatment to the current wound management therapies. The honey seemed to act as an effective antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and deodorizing dressing, with total healing of the ulcer achieved. This result, together with past successes with the use of honey alginate on ulcerated wounds, has led to this product becoming mainstream in the treatment of chronic wounds within our care facility.     

Prevention of bilateral amputation in a non-concordant patient

As chronic wounds, venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are costly and impact significantly on a patient's quality of life. This case study focuses on the key considerations for wound management of bilateral venous leg ulcers in a 45-year-old mother who had undergone multiple admissions with sepsis secondary to the ulcers and whose life was considered at risk. The primary concern was to stabilise the patient, and then to determine the aetiology of the leg ulcers and develop a treatment plan. Kerraboot (Crawford Healthcare) was chosen to dress the wound initially as it is relatively quick and easy to apply while being atraumatic, manages exudate and facilitates autolytic debridement (Harvey, 2006). After 12 days debridement was complete and granulation tissue was observed to the skin surface level. At this time, the patient's condition had stabilised and the wound aetiology could then be determined. The ulcers were confirmed as venous and were subsequently managed with compression bandaging. They continued to heal, reducing in size by 60% after a further 3 months. By agreeing a highly individualised wound treatment plan with the patient that was tailored to both her needs and those of the wound, and by continually reviewing and revising this plan, bilateral amputation was avoided in this previously non-concordant patient.     

Are hair follicle stem cells promising candidates for wound healing?

Introduction: With the continued focus on in-depth investigations of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), the role of HFSCs in wound healing has attracted increasing attention from researchers. This review may afford meaningful implications for HFSC treatment of wounds.

Areas covered: We present the properties of HFSCs, analyze the possibility of HFSCs in wound healing, and sum up the recent studies into wound repair with HFSCs. The details of HFSCs in wound healing have been discussed. The possible mechanisms of wound healing with HFSCs have been elaborated. Additionally, the factors that influence HFSCs in wound healing are also summarized.

Expert opinion: Hair follicle stem cells are promising sources for wound healing. However, a further understanding of human HFSCs and the safety use of HFSCs in clinical practice still remain in relative infancy.     

Effect of electrical stimulation on chronic leg ulcer size and appearance

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Electrical current has been recommended for use on chronic pressure ulcers; however, the ability of this modality to improve healing of other types of chronic ulcers is less well established. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC) on healing of chronic leg ulcers. SUBJECTS: Twenty-seven people with 42 chronic leg ulcers participated in the study. METHODS: The subjects were separated into subgroups according to primary etiology of the wound (diabetes, arterial insufficiency, venous insufficiency) and then randomly assigned to receive either HVPC (100 microseconds, 150 V, 100 Hz) or a sham treatment for 45 minutes, 3 times weekly, for 4 weeks. Wound surface area and wound appearance were assessed during an initial examination, following a 1- to 2-week period during which subjects received only conventional wound therapy, after 4 weeks of sham or HVPC treatment, and at 1 month following treatments. RESULTS: The results indicated that HVPC applied to chronic leg ulcers reduced the wound surface area over the 4-week treatment period to approximately one half the initial wound size (mean decrease=44.3%, SD=8.8%, range=2.8%-100%), which was over 2 times greater than that observed in wounds treated with sham units (mean decrease=16.0%, SD=8.9%, range=-30.3%-83.7%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that HVPC administered 3 times a week should be considered to accelerate wound closure of chronic leg ulcers.     

负压伤口治疗技术用于53例慢性伤口的效果评价

目的 评价负压伤口治疗技术用于各类慢性伤口的效果.方法 入选Ⅳ度压疮、外伤伤口、术后切口和糖尿病足溃疡共计53例69处,清创后采用一致性操作流程和- 125mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133kPa)负压及间歇吸引模式治疗21d,有手术指征者转外科治疗,无手术指征者按标准湿性疗法治疗至愈合.观察治疗7d、14d、21d后伤口面积、深度、温度、pH值变化及100％肉芽覆盖时间和治愈率.结果 负压封闭辅助闭合(VAC)治疗后伤口治愈率78.26％(54/69),平均愈合时间(94.00±63.26)d,其中30例43处伤口负压治疗结束后继续接受湿性疗法治愈,10例11处伤口负压治疗结束后转外科手术治愈.12例负压治疗好转后回家继续治疗,随访5个月,愈合5例5处.总治愈率85.51％(59/69).负压治疗4类慢性伤口21d时的伤口温度较治疗前明显升高,pH值明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01);100％肉芽覆盖时间平均为(22.96±12.20)d.结论 VAC治疗对不同类型慢性伤口均有效,能够营造有利于伤口愈合的温度和酸碱度,促进肉芽组织生长和伤口收缩及愈合.     

Prevalencia de la heridas crónicas en una comarca de la provincia de Barcelona

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of chronic wounds in patients in a specific region and their distribution according to health resources. To classify wound typologies and the treatment provided. To examine the use of risk assessment scales and preventive measures.MethodA cross sectional study was performed between June 2 and 8, 2004 that included all the health centers of the distinct health areas of Osona County (Barcelona), with a population of 128,309 persons aged more than 14 years. Data were collected on patients diagnosed with chronic wounds and on the characteristics of these wounds.ResultsWe studied 251 patients with a mean age of 77.5 years. A total of 377 chronic wounds were identified and there were 168 pressure ulcers. The prevalence of chronic wounds was 0.29% and that of pressure ulcers was 0.13%. The proportion of patients with lower limb ulcers was significantly higher in primary care than in acute and geriatric care (p<0.005). The proportion of patients with pressure ulcers was higher in acute and geriatric care than in primary care (p<0.005). Preventive scales were applied in 81 patients (92%) with pressure ulcers.ConclusionsApplying the concept of chronic wound was useful in identifying the high prevalence of lower limb ulcers. The distribution of wounds varied according to the health resources available.     

Role of neuropeptides in skin inflammation and its involvement in diabetic wound healing

Importance of the field: In 2010, the world prevalence of diabetes is 6.4%, affecting 285 million adults. Diabetic patients are at risk of developing neuropathy and delayed wound healing that can culminate in incurable diabetic foot ulcerations (DFUs) or even foot amputation.

Areas covered in this review: The contrast between cellular and molecular events of wound healing and diabetic wound healing processes is characterized. Neuropeptides released from the autonomous nervous system and skin cells reveal a major role in the immunity of wound healing. Therefore, the signaling pathways that induce pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines expression and its involvement in diabetic wound healing are discussed. The involvement of neuropeptides in the activation, growth, migration and maturation of skin cells, like keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, macrophages and mast cells, are described.

What the reader will gain: This review attempts to address the role of neuropeptides in skin inflammation, focusing on signal transduction, inflammatory mediators and pro/anti-inflammatory function, occurring in each cell type, as well as, its connection with diabetic wound healing.

Take home message: Understanding the role of neuropeptides in the skin, their application on skin wounds could be a potential therapy for skin pathologies, like the problematic and prevalent DFUs.     

Current challenges in wound care management: an overview

This article provides an overview of the latest theories and technology in compression therapy, and the use of growth factors and skin substitutes. Compression therapy is a major factor in the treatment of venous leg ulcers and is widely used and readily available on the Drug Tariff. Skin substitute and growth factors provide a new technological approach to wound healing with hope for the future management of both acute and chronic wounds. While new technologies are an exciting prospect for the future of wound management, there can be no substitute for good wound care. In the interest of optimum wound management and patient care, health professionals have a duty to find ways to improve patients' quality of life.     

Best practice in the management of venous leg ulcers

Leg ulcers are wounds or open sores, often chronic in nature (long-lasting and non-healing), which cause damage to the skin. Appropriate management of chronic venous leg ulcers is essential to prevent further deterioration of the wound, improve patients' quality of life and reduce any healthcare costs associated with treating complications of such ulcers, including infection. However, management of leg ulcers can be challenging, particularly in patients who do not adhere to treatment regimens, cannot tolerate compression therapy, or have increased pain and infection. This article aims to identify best practice in the management of venous leg ulcers.     

Catrix: an easy-to-use collagen treatment for wound healing

Collagen plays a major role in wound healing. Its presence is important in all stages of the healing process. Catrix is a new collagen wound-healing powder that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of wounds healing by secondary intent such as pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers and diabetic ulcers as well as second-degree burns and post-radiation dermatitis. Catrix has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of wounds unresponsive to conventional treatments. It promotes the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes in the wound, prevents loss of fluid from the wound and protects the wound from bacterial infections and other agents. Catrix is biodegradable and therefore does not require removal from the wound bed before re-application.     

Clinical Parameters Associated With Pressure Ulcer Healing in Patients With Advanced Illness

ContextPressure ulcers are the most prevalent wounds affecting patients with advanced illness. Although complete wound healing is the most desired outcome, it remains unlikely in the setting of patients with limited life expectancy. Realistic goal setting may be enabled using objective clinical parameters.ObjectivesTo identify clinical parameters associated with complete healing of Stage II pressure ulcers.MethodsUnivariable and multivariable competing risk analyses were used to assess the association of complete healing with the following six clinical parameters, namely gender, age, total number of pressure ulcers, total number of other wounds, number of failing organ systems, and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) scores.ResultsA total of 147 patients with 245 Stage II pressure ulcers were followed until death; 9.4% of Stage II pressure ulcers achieved complete healing. Univariable analyses showed hazard ratios (HRs) for complete healing in favor of higher levels of PPS scores (HR 1.82–5.99, P < 0.001) and age younger than 80 years (HR 3.28, P = 0.031). Multivariable analyses showed HRs for complete healing in favor of higher levels of PPS scores (HR 1.49–3.34, P = 0.003).ConclusionHigher levels of PPS scores are associated with complete healing of Stage II pressure ulcers in patients with advanced illness.     

Diagnosis and management of venous ulcers

Venous ulceration of the lower extremities is a common and often disabling condition. Venous ulcers are the result of a chronic inflammatory condition caused by persistent venous hypertension. Therapy is directed at counteracting the chronic inflammation in the tissues and at decreasing ambulatory venous hypertension in the area. Compression therapy helps decrease the venous hypertension and aids healing. Topical agents may be used to help decrease the bacterial load in the wound, provide a moist healing environment for dry wounds, or absorb the exudate in wounds with a lot of drainage. Pharmacological adjuncts, such as pentoxifylline or flavanoids, may help counteract the chronic inflammation in the ulcerated area. Interventions to decrease the ambulatory venous hypertension can help patients with either active or healed ulcers. Ablation of incompetent superficial truncal veins and/or perforating veins using radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, or foam sclerotherapy can speed ulcer healing and prevent recurrence.