New Antimicrobial Wound Dressing

A new wound dressing has been proven effective in vitro against more than 150 clinically relevant wound pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.

Called Actisorb Silver 220, the dressing is the product of Johnson & Johnson Wound Management (New Brunswick, NJ, USA). The company states that in a recent article in the Journal of Hospital Infections (2003;53:211-214), it was concluded that the dressing may be beneficial in the treatment of infected wounds, particularly when colonized by Gram-negative bacteria. The dressing demonstrated a high in vitro endotoxin-binding capacity combined with marked bactericidal activity without releasing Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxins into the environment.

The dressing combines broad-spectrum antimicrobial action with bacterial toxin management and odor control. In a clinical study of more than 12,400 chronic wounds, the dressing proved safe and effective. It is suitable for use under compression bandaging and may help reduce infection in partial- and full-thickness wounds, including surgical wounds, donor sites, second-degree burns, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Because the dressing contains silver, it should not be used on patients with known sensitivity to silver. Also, it should not be used on third-degree burns.





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