Effective management of pressure ulcers using Hydrofibre technology with silver ions

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are a common and debilitating form of chronic wounds that impose a considerable burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Colonisation by bacteria complicates the management of pressure ulcers and delays healing. Ionic silver has a well-established role as an antimicrobial agent, providing effective and sustained activity against a broad range of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Innovative silver-containing wound dressings have been designed to assist in the healing of moderate to highly-exuding chronic and acute wounds where there is infection or risk of infection, including ulcers of various causes. This study evaluated the efficacy and contribution to healing of a silver-containing hydrofibre dressing (SCHD; Aquacel ® Ag) in the treatment of bedsores. Twenty patients with bedsore pressure ulcers were treated with SCHD applications for one week. Wound bacterial load change, measured by three different biopsies during therapy, was evaluated for each patient. Wound bioburden decreased by 80% over the treatment period, with 60% of wounds showing no bacterial burden at the end of the study. SCHD was a safe, effective and easy-to-apply treatment for patients with bedsores and eliminated the need for local or systemic antibiotic therapy.