-
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2014Venous leg ulcers are a type of chronic wound affecting up to 1% of adults in developed countries at some point during their lives. Many of these wounds are colonised by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Venous leg ulcers are a type of chronic wound affecting up to 1% of adults in developed countries at some point during their lives. Many of these wounds are colonised by bacteria or show signs of clinical infection. The presence of infection may delay ulcer healing. Two main strategies are used to prevent and treat clinical infection in venous leg ulcers: systemic antibiotics and topical antibiotics or antiseptics.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to determine the effects of systemic antibiotics and topical antibiotics and antiseptics on the healing of venous ulcers.
SEARCH METHODS
In May 2013, for this second update, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 24 May 2013); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2013, Issue 4); Ovid MEDLINE (1948 to Week 3 May 2013); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-indexed Citations, 22 May 2013); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to Week 20 2013); and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 17 May 2013). No language or publication date restrictions were applied.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) recruiting people with venous leg ulceration, evaluating at least one systemic antibiotic, topical antibiotic or topical antiseptic that reported an objective assessment of wound healing (e.g. time to complete healing, frequency of complete healing, change in ulcer surface area) were eligible for inclusion. Selection decisions were made by two review authors while working independently.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Information on the characteristics of participants, interventions and outcomes was recorded on a standardised data extraction form. In addition, aspects of trial methods were extracted, including randomisation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and outcome assessors, incomplete outcome data and study group comparability at baseline. Data extraction and validity assessment were conducted by one review author and were checked by a second. Data were pooled when appropriate.
MAIN RESULTS
Forty-five RCTs reporting 53 comparisons and recruiting a total of 4486 participants were included, Many RCTs were small, and most were at high or unclear risk of bias. Ulcer infection status at baseline and duration of follow-up varied across RCTs. Five RCTs reported eight comparisons of systemic antibiotics, and the remainder evaluated topical preparations: cadexomer iodine (11 RCTs reporting 12 comparisons); povidone-iodine (six RCTs reporting seven comparisons); peroxide-based preparations (four RCTs reporting four comparisons); honey-based preparations (two RCTs reporting two comparisons); silver-based preparations (12 RCTs reporting 13 comparisons); other topical antibiotics (three RCTs reporting five comparisons); and other topical antiseptics (two RCTs reporting two comparisons). Few RCTs provided a reliable estimate of time to healing; most reported the proportion of participants with complete healing during the trial period. Systemic antibioticsMore participants were healed when they were prescribed levamisole (normally used to treat roundworm infection) compared with placebo: risk ratio (RR) 1.31 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.62). No between-group differences were detected in terms of complete healing for other comparisons: antibiotics given according to antibiogram versus usual care; ciprofloxacin versus standard care/placebo; trimethoprim versus placebo; ciprofloxacin versus trimethoprim; and amoxicillin versus topical povidone-iodine. Topical antibiotics and antiseptics Cadexomer iodine: more participants were healed when given cadexomer iodine compared with standard care. The pooled estimate from four RCTs for complete healing at four to 12 weeks was RR 2.17 (95% CI 1.30 to 3.60). No between-group differences in complete healing were detected when cadexomer iodine was compared with the following: hydrocolloid dressing; paraffin gauze dressing; dextranomer; and silver-impregnated dressings.Povidone iodine: no between-group differences in complete healing were detected when povidone-iodine was compared with the following: hydrocolloid; moist or foam dressings according to wound status; and growth factor. Time to healing estimates for povidone-iodine versus dextranomer, and for povidone-iodine versus hydrocolloid, were likely to be unreliable.Peroxide-based preparations: four RCTs reported findings in favour of peroxide-based preparations when compared with usual care for surrogate healing outcomes (change in ulcer area). There was no report of complete healing.Honey-based preparations: no between-group difference in time to healing or complete healing was detected for honey-based products when compared with usual care.Silver-based preparations: no between-group differences in complete healing were detected when 1% silver sulphadiazine ointment was compared with standard care/placebo and tripeptide copper complex; or when different brands of silver-impregnated dressings were compared; or when silver-impregnated dressings were compared with non-antimicrobial dressings.Other topical antibiotics: data from one RCT suggested that more participants healed at four weeks when treated with an enzymatic cleanser (a non-antibiotic preparation) compared with a chloramphenicol-containing ointment (additional active ingredients also included in the ointment): RR 0.13 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.99). No between-group differences in complete healing were detected for framycetin sulphate ointment versus enzymatic cleanser; chloramphenicol ointment versus framycetin sulphate ointment; mupirocin ointment versus vehicle; and topical antibiotics given according to antibiogram versus an herbal ointment.Other topical antiseptics: data from one RCT suggested that more participants receiving an antiseptic ointment (ethacridine lactate) had responsive ulcers (defined as > 20% reduction in area) at four weeks when compared with placebo: RR 1.45 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.73). Complete healing was not reported. No between-group difference was detected between chlorhexidine solution and usual care.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
At present, no evidence is available to support the routine use of systemic antibiotics in promoting healing of venous leg ulcers. However, the lack of reliable evidence means that it is not possible to recommend the discontinuation of any of the agents reviewed. In terms of topical preparations, some evidence supports the use of cadexomer iodine. Current evidence does not support the routine use of honey- or silver-based products. Further good quality research is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of povidone-iodine, peroxide-based preparations, ethacridine lactate, chloramphenicol, framycetin, mupirocin, ethacridine or chlorhexidine in healing venous leg ulceration. In light of the increasing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, current prescribing guidelines recommend that antibacterial preparations should be used only in cases of clinical infection, not for bacterial colonisation.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Humans; Occlusive Dressings; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing
PubMed: 24408354
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003557.pub5 -
JAC-antimicrobial Resistance Mar 2020Catheter infections remain one of the most persistent adverse events causing significant morbidity, economic impact and mortality. Several strategies have been proposed... (Review)
Review
The potential for developing new antimicrobial resistance from the use of medical devices containing chlorhexidine, minocycline, rifampicin and their combinations: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Catheter infections remain one of the most persistent adverse events causing significant morbidity, economic impact and mortality. Several strategies have been proposed to reduce these infections including the use of catheters embedded with antibiotics and/or antiseptics. One reoccurring challenge is the fear that antimicrobial medical devices will induce resistance. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for induced antimicrobial resistance caused by exposure to antimicrobial medical devices.
METHODS
Four electronic databases [MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Scopus] were screened for studies published between 1983 and 2019 regarding assessment of microbial resistance with use of medical devices containing chlorhexidine, minocycline, rifampicin or combinations thereof. Development of new resistance, selection for tolerant organisms and 'no change in resistance' were assessed.
RESULTS
Forty-four publications, grouped by study type and stratified by drug assessed, were included for analyses. The majority of studies found no change in resistance after exposure to antimicrobial medical devices (13 , 2 , 20 clinical). Development of new resistance was commonly reported with the use of rifampicin as a single agent and only reported in one study assessing the minocycline/rifampicin combination (M/R); however, the increase in MIC was well below clinical relevance.
CONCLUSIONS
Emergence of new resistance to combinations of M/R, minocycline/rifampicin/chlorhexidine (M/R/CH) and chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine (CHXSS) was rare. No clinical trials confirmed its occurrence and some refuted it. The risk of development of new resistance to these antimicrobial combinations appears more fear-based than substantiated by clinical and experimental evidence but warrants continued surveillance.
PubMed: 34222960
DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlaa002 -
World Journal of Plastic Surgery 2022Choosing adequate topical antimicrobial agents in burn patients still represents a challenge. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to compile and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Choosing adequate topical antimicrobial agents in burn patients still represents a challenge. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to compile and evaluate current recommendations in international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to develop more consistent clinical guidance.
METHODS
A systematic search for CPGs was conducted independently by two reviewers using PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and external citations. The quality of the selected CPGs was evaluated separately using the AGREE II instrument, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using R V 1.4.1 statistical software.
RESULTS
Eleven CPGs were included in the study. Most guidelines tend to recommend silver-containing dressings over antiseptics or antibiotics, regardless of the depth of the burn. Silver sulfadiazine is the most recommended topical antimicrobial in low-resource settings. An overall mean appraisal AGREE II score of 68.2% was obtained. The global intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.62 (95% confidence intervals 0.54-0.69), which corresponds to a substantial global concordance between both appraisers.
CONCLUSIONS
Great heterogeneity was found between recommendations and CPGs. The three determining factors considered to issue a recommendation were the clinical scenario, burn-wound depth, and burn severity. There is consensus among the guidelines to use topical antimicrobials as a tool to prevent infection, and most of these recommend the use of silver-containing dressings for most scenarios. However, there is currently no ideal topical antimicrobial agent that can be recommended for all clinical scenarios. The development of more consistent recommendations is warranted to standardize clinical practice.
PubMed: 36694673
DOI: 10.52547/wjps.11.3.3 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... May 2020The safety profile of antimicrobials used during pregnancy is one important consideration in the decision on how to treat and provide postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for...
BACKGROUND
The safety profile of antimicrobials used during pregnancy is one important consideration in the decision on how to treat and provide postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for plague during pregnancy.
METHODS
We searched 5 scientific literature databases for primary sources on the safety of 9 antimicrobials considered for plague during pregnancy (amikacin, gentamicin, plazomicin, streptomycin, tobramycin, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, sulfadiazine, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [TMP-SMX]) and abstracted data on maternal, pregnancy, and fetal/neonatal outcomes.
RESULTS
Of 13 052 articles identified, 66 studies (case-control, case series, cohort, and randomized studies) and 96 case reports were included, totaling 27 751 prenatal exposures to amikacin (n = 9), gentamicin (n = 345), plazomicin (n = 0), streptomycin (n = 285), tobramycin (n = 43), chloramphenicol (n = 246), doxycycline (n = 2351), sulfadiazine (n = 870), and TMP-SMX (n = 23 602). Hearing or vestibular deficits were reported in 18/121 (15%) children and 17/109 (16%) pregnant women following prenatal streptomycin exposure. First trimester chloramphenicol exposure was associated with an elevated risk of an undescended testis (odds ratio [OR] 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-28.7). Doxycycline was associated with cardiovascular malformations (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.7) in 1 study and spontaneous abortion (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9-4.1) in a separate study. First trimester exposure to TMP-SMX was associated with increased risk of neural tube defects (pooled OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.3), spontaneous abortion (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.3-5.6), preterm birth (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1), and small for gestational age (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2). No other statistically significant associations were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
For most antimicrobials reviewed, adverse maternal/fetal/neonatal outcomes were not observed consistently. Prenatal exposure to streptomycin and TMP-SMX was associated with select birth defects in some studies. Based on limited data, chloramphenicol and doxycycline may be associated with adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes; however, more data are needed to confirm these associations. Antimicrobials should be used for treatment and PEP of plague during pregnancy; the choice of antimicrobials may be influenced by these data as well as information about the risks of plague during pregnancy.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Anti-Infective Agents; Child; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Plague; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
PubMed: 32435799
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1231 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2024: Burns are a serious public health problem worldwide, causing high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare two forms of treatment for partial skin burns... (Review)
Review
: Burns are a serious public health problem worldwide, causing high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare two forms of treatment for partial skin burns and to determine whether one is superior to the other in terms of efficacy and benefits through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. This article highlights the efficacy of tilapia skin in the treatment of burns. We performed a meta-analysis of 199 patients and highlighted the promising results that indicate the clinical relevance of this resource when we compared the cost of dressings with the daily need for dressing changes, healing potential, and reduction in pain level according to the VAS scale and reduced frequency of dressing changes. : A search of PubMed, Cochrane Central, and LILACS was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing tilapia skin and silver-based dressings for treating burns. Studies involving overlapping populations and animals were excluded. The outcomes of interest were complete re-epithelialization, decreased pain level, and dressing change. : Summarize the article's main findings. : Four randomized trials were included with a total of 199 patients with partial-thickness burns between the ages of 2 and 70 years. A total of 99 (49.74%) patients were treated with tilapia skin, and conventional treatment was used on 100 (50.25%) of the patients. Differences were found between the tilapia and silver-based treatments concerning re-epithelialization (MD -0.48; CI 95% -0.71 to -0.24; < 0.01; I2 = 0%), decreased pain level (MD -0.79; CI 95% -1.10 to -0.47; < 0.01; I2 = 0%), and dressing change outcome (MD -3.54; 95% CI -5.81 to -1.26; = 0.02; I2 = 97%).
PubMed: 38541868
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13061642 -
International Wound Journal Apr 2024This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of different blood derivatives on wound healing using network meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, OVID, Web of Science,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of different blood derivatives on wound healing using network meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, OVID, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Cochrane Central were searched to obtain studies about blood derivatives on wound healing until October 2023. R 4.2.0 and Stata 15.0 softwares were used for data analysis. Forty-four studies comprising 5164 patients were included. The results of network meta-analysis showed that the healing area from high to low was GF + ORCCB, ORCCB, GF, PRF, Unnas paste dressing, APG, PRP injection, PRP, PRP + thrombin gel, PPP, HPL, CT. The healing time from low to high was PRP + thrombin gel, GF, PRP, PC + K, PC, APG, PRF, CT, Silver sulfadiazine ointment. The number of patients cured from high to low was APG, PRP injection, PRP, Aurix, PRF, Leucopatch, HPL, Antimicrobial Ointment Dressing, CT, 60 μg/cm repifermin, 120 μg/cm repifermin, AFG, PPP. The order of analgesic effect from high to low was AFG, Aminogam gel, PRF, PRP, Oxidised oil, APG, GF, CT. The order of the number of wound infection cases from low to high is APG, 20 μg/cm repifermin, 60 μg/cm repifermin, PRP, LeucoPatch, CT, PPP, Antiseptic ointment dressing. Healing area: GF + ORCCB had the best effect; Healing time: PRP + thrombin gel took the shortest time. The number of cured patients and the reduction of wound infection: APG has the best effect. Analgesic effect: AFG has the best effect. More studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the above findings.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Thrombin; Ointments; Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; Wound Healing; Treatment Outcome; Wound Infection; Analgesics; Platelet-Rich Plasma
PubMed: 38158884
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14622 -
Revista Latino-americana de Enfermagem Aug 2016to evaluate the effectiveness and safety in the use of second-generation central venous catheters impregnated in clorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine when compared with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
to evaluate the effectiveness and safety in the use of second-generation central venous catheters impregnated in clorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine when compared with other catheters, being them impregnated or not, in order to prevent the bloodstream infection prevention.
METHOD
systematic review with meta-analysis. Databases searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS/SciELO, Cochrane CENTRAL; search in Congress Proceedings and records from Clinical Trials.
RESULTS
1.235 studies were identified, 97 were pre-selected and 4 were included. In catheter-related bloodstream infection, there was no statistical significance between second-generation impregnated catheter compared with the non-impregnated ones, absolute relative risk 1,5% confidence interval 95% (3%-1%), relative risk 0,68 (confidence interval 95%, 0,40-1,15) and number needed to treat 66. In the sensitivity analysis, there was less bloodstream infection in impregnated catheters (relative risk 0,50, confidence interval 95%, 0,26-0,96). Lower colonization, absolute relative risk 9,6% (confidence interval 95%, 10% to 4%), relative risk 0,51 (confidence interval 95% from 0,38-0,85) and number needed to treat 5.
CONCLUSION
the use of second-generation catheters was effective in reducing the catheter colonization and infection when a sensitivity analysis is performed. Future clinical trials are suggested to evaluate sepsis rates, mortality and adverse effects.
OBJETIVO
evaluar la efectividad y seguridad del uso de catéteres venosos centrales de segunda generación, impregnados en clorhexidina y sulfadiazina de plata, comparados con otros catéteres impregnados o no impregnados, para prevención de infección de la corriente sanguínea.
MÉTODO
revisión sistemática con metaanálisis. La búsqueda fue realizada en las bases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS/SciELO, Cochrane CENTRAL; fueron consultados anales de congresos y registros de ensayos clínicos.
RESULTADOS
fueron identificados 1.235 estudios, 97 preseleccionados y cuatro incluidos. En la infección de la corriente sanguínea, relacionada al catéter, no hubo significación estadística entre catéter de segunda generación impregnado en comparación a los no impregnados, riesgo relativo absoluto 1,5%, intervalo de confianza 95% (3%-1%), riesgo relativo 0,68 (intervalo de confianza 95%, 0,40-1,15) y número necesario para tratar 66. En el análisis de sensibilidad, hubo disminución de la infección de la corriente sanguínea en los catéteres impregnados (riesgo relativo 0,50, intervalo de confianza 95%, 0,26-0,96). Reducción de la colonización, riesgo relativo absoluto de 9,6% (intervalo de confianza 95%, 10% a 4%), riesgo relativo 0,51 (intervalo de confianza 95% de 0,38-0,85) y número necesario para tratar 5.
CONCLUSIÓN
el uso de los catéteres de segunda generación fue efectivo en la reducción de la colonización del catéter y de infección cuando realizado análisis de sensibilidad. Se sugirieron ensayos clínicos futuros que evalúen tasas de sepsis, mortalidad y efectos adversos.
OBJETIVO
avaliar a efetividade e segurança do uso de cateteres venosos centrais de segunda geração, impregnados em clorexidina e sulfadiazina de prata, comparados com outros cateteres impregnados ou não, na prevenção de infecção de corrente sanguínea.
MÉTODO
revisão sistemática com metanálise. Busca realizada nas bases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS/SciELO, Cochrane CENTRAL; consulta em anais de congresso e registro de ensaios clínicos.
RESULTADOS
foram identificados 1.235 estudos, 97 pré-selecionados e quatro incluídos. Na infecção de corrente sanguínea, relacionada ao cateter, não houve significância estatística entre cateter de segunda geração impregnado em comparação aos não impregnados risco relativo absoluto 1,5%, intervalo de confiança 95% (3%-1%), risco relativo 0,68 (intervalo de confiança 95%, 0,40-1,15) e número necessário para tratar 66. Na análise de sensibilidade, houve diminuição da infecção de corrente sanguínea nos cateteres impregnados (risco relativo 0,50, intervalo de confiança 95%, 0,26-0,96). Redução da colonização, risco relativo absoluto de 9,6% (intervalo de confiança 95%, 10% a 4%), risco relativo 0,51 (intervalo de confiança 95% de 0,38-0,85) e número necessário para tratar 5.
CONCLUSÃO
o uso dos cateteres de segunda geração foi efetivo na redução de colonização do cateter e de infecção quando realizada análise de sensibilidade. Sugerem-se ensaios clínicos futuros que avaliem taxas de sepse, mortalidade e efeitos adversos.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Catheter-Related Infections; Central Venous Catheters; Chlorhexidine; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Humans; Silver Sulfadiazine
PubMed: 27508901
DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.0756.2722 -
Encephalitis (Seoul, Korea) Apr 2023is a parasite that is widely distributed around the globe and can cause brain inflammation, particularly in immunosuppressed patients such as those diagnosed with human...
PURPOSE
is a parasite that is widely distributed around the globe and can cause brain inflammation, particularly in immunosuppressed patients such as those diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This paper reviews the efficacy of azithromycin and pyrimethamine combination therapy for cerebral toxoplasmosis in patients with HIV.
METHODS
The scope of the studies included in this review was limited from 1992 to 2022, with studies primarily being randomized, controlled clinical trials available on online scientific journal databases. The authors screened eligible records for review, removing those that did not fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias of the extracted data was analyzed through the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials.
RESULTS
A broad search of major online databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane using keywords, limit fields, and Boolean operators yielded 3,130 articles. After thoroughly screening the search results, two studies were included in this review. Results from the studies included in the review demonstrate that the combination therapy of azithromycin and pyrimethamine is favorable for cerebral toxoplasmosis. However, the net response is less effective than the standard treatment regimen (pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine).
CONCLUSION
The combination therapy of azithromycin and pyrimethamine is less effective than the standard treatment regimen for maintenance therapy for cerebral toxoplasmosis; thus, administering these medications for this indication must be met with caution.
PubMed: 37469675
DOI: 10.47936/encephalitis.2022.00115 -
Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology... 2014Fungal keratitis (FK) typically requires intensive therapy with topical antifungal agents. To date, evidence from clinical trials has been conflicting with respect to...
Fungal keratitis (FK) typically requires intensive therapy with topical antifungal agents. To date, evidence from clinical trials has been conflicting with respect to the most effective topical antifungal drug in the treatment of FK. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTS) using the Cochrane methodology was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of topical antifungals in management of FK. Outcomes included time to cure, treatment failure, complications of infection, visual acuity and adverse effects. A comprehensive search for studies was undertaken resulting in inclusion of 8 RCTs, predominantly from India, involving a total of 793 participants, the majority of whom were infected with filamentous fungi. Topical voriconazole was more likely to result in therapeutic keratoplasty compared with natamycin [relative risk (RR) 1.89 95% CI: 1.14, 3.12] with a number needed to treat of 13 (95% CI: 7, 50). Final visual acuity was significantly better with natamycin compared with voriconazole [weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.13, 95% CI 0.00, 0.27]. There was no difference in risk of treatment failure across all topical antifungal treatments studied (chlorhexidine gluconate, econazole, miconazole, natamycin, silver sulphadiazine and voriconazole). This study suggests treatment failure was comparable among antifungal treatments reviewed. However, natamycin resulted in better visual acuity following acute infection, compared with voriconazole. Voriconazole had a significantly greater risk of therapeutic keratoplasty compared with natamycin in the populations studied.
PubMed: 26107307
DOI: 10.1097/APO.0b013e3182a618dd