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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2017Burn wounds cause high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. People with burns are particularly vulnerable to infections; over 75% of all burn deaths (after... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Burn wounds cause high levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide. People with burns are particularly vulnerable to infections; over 75% of all burn deaths (after initial resuscitation) result from infection. Antiseptics are topical agents that act to prevent growth of micro-organisms. A wide range are used with the intention of preventing infection and promoting healing of burn wounds.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects and safety of antiseptics for the treatment of burns in any care setting.
SEARCH METHODS
In September 2016 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations), Ovid Embase, and EBSCO CINAHL. We also searched three clinical trials registries and references of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. There were no restrictions based on language, date of publication or study setting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled people with any burn wound and assessed the use of a topical treatment with antiseptic properties.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 56 RCTs with 5807 randomised participants. Almost all trials had poorly reported methodology, meaning that it is unclear whether they were at high risk of bias. In many cases the primary review outcomes, wound healing and infection, were not reported, or were reported incompletely.Most trials enrolled people with recent burns, described as second-degree and less than 40% of total body surface area; most participants were adults. Antiseptic agents assessed were: silver-based, honey, Aloe Vera, iodine-based, chlorhexidine or polyhexanide (biguanides), sodium hypochlorite, merbromin, ethacridine lactate, cerium nitrate and Arnebia euchroma. Most studies compared antiseptic with a topical antibiotic, primarily silver sulfadiazine (SSD); others compared antiseptic with a non-antibacterial treatment or another antiseptic. Most evidence was assessed as low or very low certainty, often because of imprecision resulting from few participants, low event rates, or both, often in single studies. Antiseptics versus topical antibioticsCompared with the topical antibiotic, SSD, there is low certainty evidence that, on average, there is no clear difference in the hazard of healing (chance of healing over time), between silver-based antiseptics and SSD (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.67; I = 0%; 3 studies; 259 participants); silver-based antiseptics may, on average, increase the number of healing events over 21 or 28 days' follow-up (RR 1.17 95% CI 1.00 to 1.37; I = 45%; 5 studies; 408 participants) and may, on average, reduce mean time to healing (difference in means -3.33 days; 95% CI -4.96 to -1.70; I = 87%; 10 studies; 979 participants).There is moderate certainty evidence that, on average, burns treated with honey are probably more likely to heal over time compared with topical antibiotics (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.52; I = 66%; 5 studies; 140 participants).There is low certainty evidence from single trials that sodium hypochlorite may, on average, slightly reduce mean time to healing compared with SSD (difference in means -2.10 days, 95% CI -3.87 to -0.33, 10 participants (20 burns)) as may merbromin compared with zinc sulfadiazine (difference in means -3.48 days, 95% CI -6.85 to -0.11, 50 relevant participants). Other comparisons with low or very low certainty evidence did not find clear differences between groups.Most comparisons did not report data on infection. Based on the available data we cannot be certain if antiseptic treatments increase or reduce the risk of infection compared with topical antibiotics (very low certainty evidence). Antiseptics versus alternative antisepticsThere may be some reduction in mean time to healing for wounds treated with povidone iodine compared with chlorhexidine (MD -2.21 days, 95% CI 0.34 to 4.08). Other evidence showed no clear differences and is of low or very low certainty. Antiseptics versus non-antibacterial comparatorsWe found high certainty evidence that treating burns with honey, on average, reduced mean times to healing in comparison with non-antibacterial treatments (difference in means -5.3 days, 95% CI -6.30 to -4.34; I = 71%; 4 studies; 1156 participants) but this comparison included some unconventional treatments such as amniotic membrane and potato peel. There is moderate certainty evidence that honey probably also increases the likelihood of wounds healing over time compared to unconventional anti-bacterial treatments (HR 2.86, 95% C 1.60 to 5.11; I = 50%; 2 studies; 154 participants).There is moderate certainty evidence that, on average, burns treated with nanocrystalline silver dressings probably have a slightly shorter mean time to healing than those treated with Vaseline gauze (difference in means -3.49 days, 95% CI -4.46 to -2.52; I = 0%; 2 studies, 204 participants), but low certainty evidence that there may be little or no difference in numbers of healing events at 14 days between burns treated with silver xenograft or paraffin gauze (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.59 to 2.16 1 study; 32 participants). Other comparisons represented low or very low certainty evidence.It is uncertain whether infection rates in burns treated with either silver-based antiseptics or honey differ compared with non-antimicrobial treatments (very low certainty evidence). There is probably no difference in infection rates between an iodine-based treatment compared with moist exposed burn ointment (moderate certainty evidence). It is also uncertain whether infection rates differ for SSD plus cerium nitrate, compared with SSD alone (low certainty evidence).Mortality was low where reported. Most comparisons provided low certainty evidence that there may be little or no difference between many treatments. There may be fewer deaths in groups treated with cerium nitrate plus SSD compared with SSD alone (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.99; I = 0%, 2 studies, 214 participants) (low certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
It was often uncertain whether antiseptics were associated with any difference in healing, infections, or other outcomes. Where there is moderate or high certainty evidence, decision makers need to consider the applicability of the evidence from the comparison to their patients. Reporting was poor, to the extent that we are not confident that most trials are free from risk of bias.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Apitherapy; Bacterial Infections; Bandages; Burns; Chlorhexidine; Disinfectants; Honey; Humans; Merbromin; Plant Preparations; Povidone-Iodine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Silver Sulfadiazine; Sodium Hypochlorite; Sulfadiazine; Wound Healing
PubMed: 28700086
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011821.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2012Viral warts are a common skin condition, which can range in severity from a minor nuisance that resolve spontaneously to a troublesome, chronic condition. Many different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Viral warts are a common skin condition, which can range in severity from a minor nuisance that resolve spontaneously to a troublesome, chronic condition. Many different topical treatments are available.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of local treatments for cutaneous non-genital warts in healthy, immunocompetent adults and children.
SEARCH METHODS
We updated our searches of the following databases to May 2011: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 2005), EMBASE (from 2010), AMED (from 1985), LILACS (from 1982), and CINAHL (from 1981). We searched reference lists of articles and online trials registries for ongoing trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of topical treatments for cutaneous non-genital warts.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected trials and extracted data; a third author resolved any disagreements.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 85 trials involving a total of 8815 randomised participants (26 new studies were included in this update). There was a wide range of different treatments and a variety of trial designs. Many of the studies were judged to be at high risk of bias in one or more areas of trial design.Trials of salicylic acid (SA) versus placebo showed that the former significantly increased the chance of clearance of warts at all sites (RR (risk ratio) 1.56, 95% CI (confidence interval) 1.20 to 2.03). Subgroup analysis for different sites, hands (RR 2.67, 95% CI 1.43 to 5.01) and feet (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.55), suggested it might be more effective for hands than feet.A meta-analysis of cryotherapy versus placebo for warts at all sites favoured neither intervention nor control (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.65 to 3.23). Subgroup analysis for different sites, hands (RR 2.63, 95% CI 0.43 to 15.94) and feet (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.26 to 3.07), again suggested better outcomes for hands than feet. One trial showed cryotherapy to be better than both placebo and SA, but only for hand warts.There was no significant difference in cure rates between cryotherapy at 2-, 3-, and 4-weekly intervals.Aggressive cryotherapy appeared more effective than gentle cryotherapy (RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.15), but with increased adverse effects.Meta-analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference in effectiveness between cryotherapy and SA at all sites (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.71) or in subgroup analyses for hands and feet.Two trials with 328 participants showed that SA and cryotherapy combined appeared more effective than SA alone (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.43).The benefit of intralesional bleomycin remains uncertain as the evidence was inconsistent. The most informative trial with 31 participants showed no significant difference in cure rate between bleomycin and saline injections (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.78).Dinitrochlorobenzene was more than twice as effective as placebo in 2 trials with 80 participants (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.26).Two trials of clear duct tape with 193 participants demonstrated no advantage over placebo (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.51 to 4.05).We could not combine data from trials of the following treatments: intralesional 5-fluorouracil, topical zinc, silver nitrate (which demonstrated possible beneficial effects), topical 5-fluorouracil, pulsed dye laser, photodynamic therapy, 80% phenol, 5% imiquimod cream, intralesional antigen, and topical alpha-lactalbumin-oleic acid (which showed no advantage over placebo).We did not identify any RCTs that evaluated surgery (curettage, excision), formaldehyde, podophyllotoxin, cantharidin, diphencyprone, or squaric acid dibutylester.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Data from two new trials comparing SA and cryotherapy have allowed a better appraisal of their effectiveness. The evidence remains more consistent for SA, but only shows a modest therapeutic effect. Overall, trials comparing cryotherapy with placebo showed no significant difference in effectiveness, but the same was also true for trials comparing cryotherapy with SA. Only one trial showed cryotherapy to be better than both SA and placebo, and this was only for hand warts. Adverse effects, such as pain, blistering, and scarring, were not consistently reported but are probably more common with cryotherapy.None of the other reviewed treatments appeared safer or more effective than SA and cryotherapy. Two trials of clear duct tape demonstrated no advantage over placebo. Dinitrochlorobenzene (and possibly other similar contact sensitisers) may be useful for the treatment of refractory warts.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Bleomycin; Child; Cryotherapy; Dermatologic Agents; Dinitrochlorobenzene; Fluorouracil; Humans; Interferons; Photochemotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Salicylates; Surgical Tape; Warts
PubMed: 22972052
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001781.pub3 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Oct 2013Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but the majority grow out of the problem. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but the majority grow out of the problem.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for recurrent idiopathic epistaxis in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2013 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 5 systematic reviews or RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antiseptic cream (containing chlorhexidine hydrochloride, neomycin sulfate, or both), petroleum jelly, and silver nitrate cautery.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cautery; Child; Chlorhexidine; Epistaxis; Humans; Neomycin; Petrolatum; Remission Induction; Silver Nitrate
PubMed: 24172703
DOI: No ID Found -
BJOG : An International Journal of... May 2020No consensus on the management of symptomatic cysts or abscesses of the Bartholin's gland exists.
BACKGROUND
No consensus on the management of symptomatic cysts or abscesses of the Bartholin's gland exists.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions for a symptomatic Bartholin's cyst or abscess.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched bibliographical databases from inception to April 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials evaluating a surgical intervention for the treatment of a symptomatic Bartholin's cyst or abscess.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Eight trials, reporting data from 699 women, were included. Study characteristics and methodological quality were recorded for each trial. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects methods.
MAIN RESULTS
When considering the recurrence of a symptomatic Bartholin's cyst or abscess, the evidence was consistent with notable effects in either direction (risk ratio [RR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-1.40) when comparing marsupialisation with incision, drainage and insertion of a Word catheter. Limited inference could be made when comparing marsupialisation with incision, drainage and silver nitrate insertion (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.57-1.75), and incision, drainage and cavity closure (RR 0.25; 95% CI 0.01-4.89). There was limited reporting of secondary outcomes, including haematoma, infectious morbidity and persistent dyspareunia.
CONCLUSIONS
Current randomised trial evidence does not support the use of any single surgical intervention for the treatment of a symptomatic cyst or abscess of the Bartholin's gland.
PROSPECTIVE REGISTRATION
PROSPERO: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; CRD42018088553.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
Further research is needed to identify an effective treatment for #Bartholin's cyst or abscess. @jamesmnduffy.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Abscess; Bartholin's Glands; Cysts; Drainage; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Needs Assessment; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vulvar Diseases
PubMed: 31876985
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16079 -
International Journal of Pediatric... Nov 2020To compare the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines and a search of electronic information was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis. Treatment success and persistence of bleeding were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included treatment side effects. Fixed effects modelling was used for the analysis.
RESULTS
Four studies enrolling 240 patients were identified. There was no significant difference between silver nitrate cautery group and antiseptic cream alone group in terms of complete resolution (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.07, P = 0.81), the partial resolution (OR = 1.02, P = 0.96) and persistence of bleeding (OR = 0.91, P = 0.71). For secondary outcomes, antiseptic nasal cream was associated with few side effects such as rash in one case and several complaints of bad smell or taste.
CONCLUSIONS
The addition of silver nitrate cautery is not superior to the use of antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis as it does not improve treatment success or persistence of bleeding.
Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cautery; Child; Child, Preschool; Chlorhexidine; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epistaxis; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Neomycin; Ointments; Recurrence; Silver Nitrate; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32998847
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110365 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jan 2011Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but many grow out of the problem. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Up to 9% of children may have recurrent nosebleeds, usually originating from the anterior septum, but many grow out of the problem.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for recurrent idiopathic epistaxis in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to May 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 5 RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antiseptic cream, petroleum jelly, and silver nitrate cautery.
Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Caffeine; Cautery; Child; Epistaxis; Humans; Petrolatum; Remission Induction; Silver Nitrate
PubMed: 21477398
DOI: No ID Found -
Burns : Journal of the International... Aug 2017The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the clinical effectiveness of nanocrystalline silver compared to alternative silver delivery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes associated with nanocrystalline silver use compared to alternative silver delivery systems in the management of superficial and deep partial thickness burns.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the clinical effectiveness of nanocrystalline silver compared to alternative silver delivery systems (silver sulphadiazine [SSD] and silver nitrate) in adults and children with superficial and deep partial thickness burns.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and other databases were searched to identify relevant randomised controlled trials and observational studies.
RESULTS
Eight studies that assessed both nanocrystalline silver and SSD and one study that compared nanocrystalline silver vs. silver nitrate were identified. Nanocrystalline silver compared to SSD/silver nitrate was associated with a statistically significant reduction in infections (odds ratio [OR] 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.62, p=0.005), length of stay in hospital (mean difference -4.74 (95% CI -5.79 to -3.69, p=0.00001) and surgical procedures (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.28-0.56, p=0.00001). Three studies that reported on pain had lower pain scores with nanocrystalline silver use than with SSD/silver nitrate; a high level of heterogeneity precluded pooling estimates.
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence suggest that the use of nanocrystalline silver dressings results in shorter length of stay in hospital, less pain, fewer surgical procedures and reduced infection rates compared to silver sulphadiazine/silver nitrate.
Topics: Burns; Humans; Length of Stay; Nanoparticles; Odds Ratio; Pain Measurement; Silver Compounds; Wound Infection
PubMed: 28161149
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2017.01.004 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Oct 2010Previous systematic reviews of silver-impregnated dressings have been contradictory regarding the healing of leg wounds/ulcers. Our systematic review was restricted to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Previous systematic reviews of silver-impregnated dressings have been contradictory regarding the healing of leg wounds/ulcers. Our systematic review was restricted to randomized controlled trials. Cochrane Library, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases were searched using the term "silver" in combination with "wound" or "ulcer" (and plural versions) without date/language restriction. Study quality was assessed and meta-analysis conducted for complete wound healing, wound size reduction, and healing rates. Overall study quality was fair with most studies having some bias. Evidence for wound healing using individual studies was poor. Meta-analyses found strong evidence for wound healing based on wound size reduction but no evidence based on complete wound-healing or healing rates. Although our results provide some evidence that silver-impregnated dressings improve the short-term healing of wounds and ulcers, long-term effects remain unclear. Clinical trial data with longer follow-up times are needed to address these issues.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Female; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Male; Occlusive Dressings; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Severity of Illness Index; Silver Compounds; Silver Nitrate; Silver Sulfadiazine; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing; Wound Infection
PubMed: 20471135
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.09.007 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Aug 2009The aim of this meta-analysis was to collect data from randomized trials in burn patients and to analyze them with a meta-analytic approach to give a clear message of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Nanocrystalline silver: a systematic review of randomized trials conducted on burned patients and an evidence-based assessment of potential advantages over older silver formulations.
The aim of this meta-analysis was to collect data from randomized trials in burn patients and to analyze them with a meta-analytic approach to give a clear message of potential advantages of nanocrystalline silver (NC) versus older silver formulations (SS). A review of all-English prospective randomized trials that compared NC versus silver sulfadiazine or silver nitrate was conducted. Primary outcome was the evaluation of differences in the infection rate of burns. Secondary outcomes were the eventual differences in the pain experienced during medications, the length of hospitalization (LOS) and costs. Five articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected (n = 285 patients). The NC group had a significant lower incidence of infections compared with the SS group (9.5% vs. 27.8%, odds ratio: 0.14 [95% CI: 0.06-0.35]; chi2 test, P < 0.001), with a 2.9-fold decrease of the risk. Not all studies investigated the pain during change of dressings, LOS and costs. However, when data were available, these showed lower costs (US $1533 per patient for the SS group and US $946 per patient for the NC group) and decreased pain values in the NC group (Hedges' G: -1.44 [95% CI: -1.86/-1.01]; P < 0.0001), while contrasting results were obtained for LOS. Nanocrystalline silver is a relatively new product with a significant stronger antimicrobial activity compared with older formulations. Its long lasting properties reduce dressing change frequency and are probably responsible for the decreased pain and the minor costs experienced.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Burns; Chi-Square Distribution; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Nanoparticles; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Silver; Wound Healing
PubMed: 19571738
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181893825 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2010Silver-containing treatments are popular and used in wound treatments to combat a broad spectrum of pathogens, but evidence of their effectiveness in preventing wound... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Silver-containing treatments are popular and used in wound treatments to combat a broad spectrum of pathogens, but evidence of their effectiveness in preventing wound infection or promoting healing is lacking.
OBJECTIVES
To establish the effects of silver-containing wound dressings and topical agents in preventing wound infection and healing of wounds.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (6 May 2009); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2009 Issue 2); Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to April Week 4 2009); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2009 Week 18); EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to April Week 4 2009) and Digital Dissertations (to May 2009) for relevant trials. We contacted manufacturers and distributors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing silver-containing wound dressings and topical agents with silver-containing and non silver-containing comparators on uninfected wounds.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 26 RCTs (2066 patients). Heterogeneity of treatments and outcomes precluded meta-analysis. We grouped results according to wound type, and silver preparation.BurnsThirteen trials compared topical silver (in a variety of formulations - including silver sulphadiazine (SSD) cream) with non-silver dressings. One trial showed fewer infections with silver nitrate when compared with a non-silver dressing, but three trials showed significantly more infection with SSD than with the non-silver dressing.Six trials compared SSD cream with silver-containing dressings. One showed significantly fewer infections with the silver-containing dressing (Hydron AgSD) compared with SSD, the remaining five found no evidence of a difference.One trial compared two silver-containing dressings, and showed a significantly lower infection rate with silver-coated gauze (Acticoat(R)) than with silver nitrate gauze.Other woundsSix trials compared SSD/silver-containing dressings with non-silver dressings (nine dressings in total). Most comparisons (seven) found no significant differences in infection rates; one trial in a variety of wounds exhibited significantly fewer infections with SSD/hydrocolloid, but another, in acute wounds, found significantly more infections with SSD. Only one comparison showed a significant reduction in healing time associated with a silver-containing hydrofibre dressing in diabetic foot ulcers.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to establish whether silver-containing dressings or topical agents promote wound healing or prevent wound infection; some poor quality evidence for SSD suggests the opposite.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Bandages; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Silver Compounds; Silver Nitrate; Silver Sulfadiazine; Wound Infection
PubMed: 20238345
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006478.pub2