A Silver-Coated Antimicrobial Barrier Dressing Used Post Operatively on Meshed Autografts: A Dressing Comparison Study

Abstract

In an effort to optimize the management of freshly grafted burn wounds a silver-coated antimicrobial barrier dressing (Ag) was compared to 5% Mafenide Acetate (MA) soaked dressings. 20 patients were randomized to receive either the Ag dressing or 5% MA dressing. Dressings were applied at the time of surgery. The Ag dressings were changed at day 3 and then every three days thereafter. MA dressings were changed at 48 hours and then every day thereafter. Patients were assessed for graft take, wound closure, and the number of dressings applied. The ease of use of each dressing type was assessed using a questionnaire. The dosage of pain medications and sedatives required per dressing change was tabulated. The percentage of wound closure and graft take was similar between the two treatment groups. The average number of test site dressing changes was significantly less in the Ag dressing group compared to the MA group (1.8 vs. 3.8, p=.0162, two tailed T-test). In 96% of assessments, the Ag dressing was found to be ‘easy to apply’ whereas 34% of the MA assessments were found to be somewhat ‘difficult’ or ‘moderately difficult’ to apply. The average per dressing and average total pain medication and sedative dose were not significantly different.