Joachim Dissemond1, Johannes Georg Böttrich2, Horst Braunwarth3, Jörg Hilt4, Patricia Wilken5, Karl-Christian Münter6. 1. Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. 2. B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany. 3. Coloplast GmbH, Hamburg, Germany. 4. Smith & Nephew GmbH, Hamburg, Germany. 5. URGO GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany. 6. Joint Dermatology Practice Bramfeld, Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given that the scientific evidence for silver in wound care is generally considered insufficient, there is uncertainty among users regarding its clinical use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of experts evaluated the clinical studies on silver in wound management published from 2000-2015. RESULTS: Overall, 851 articles were identified, 173 of which were included and categorized. There were 31 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight cohort studies. Twenty-eight of these studies showed statistically significant outcome parameters in support of silver. While nine of these studies investigated burn injuries, 20 addressed other indications (venous leg ulcers: 9; pressure ulcers: 3; chronic wounds: 2; diabetic foot ulcer: 1; other types of wounds: 5). In 16 studies, the primary parameter was wound healing, whereas quality of life including pain was assessed in twelve studies; cost-effectiveness, in eight studies; reduction of bacterial load, in three studies. Based on these results, a treatment algorithm for the clinical use of silver in wound care has been developed. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis shows that the evidence base for silver in wound management is significantly better than perceived in the current scientific debate. Thus, if used selectively and for a limited period of time, silver not only has antimicrobial effects but is also characterized by an improvement in quality of life and good cost-effectiveness.
BACKGROUND: Given that the scientific evidence for silver in wound care is generally considered insufficient, there is uncertainty among users regarding its clinical use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of experts evaluated the clinical studies on silver in wound management published from 2000-2015. RESULTS: Overall, 851 articles were identified, 173 of which were included and categorized. There were 31 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight cohort studies. Twenty-eight of these studies showed statistically significant outcome parameters in support of silver. While nine of these studies investigated burn injuries, 20 addressed other indications (venous leg ulcers: 9; pressure ulcers: 3; chronic wounds: 2; diabetic foot ulcer: 1; other types of wounds: 5). In 16 studies, the primary parameter was wound healing, whereas quality of life including pain was assessed in twelve studies; cost-effectiveness, in eight studies; reduction of bacterial load, in three studies. Based on these results, a treatment algorithm for the clinical use of silver in wound care has been developed. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis shows that the evidence base for silver in wound management is significantly better than perceived in the current scientific debate. Thus, if used selectively and for a limited period of time, silver not only has antimicrobial effects but is also characterized by an improvement in quality of life and good cost-effectiveness.
Authors: Martin Oliverius; Jan Drozd; Petr Bratka; Adam Whitley; Beatrice Mohlenikova Duchonova; Robert Gürlich Journal: Int Wound J Date: 2021-03-27 Impact factor: 3.315