[ALEA study. Treatment of chronic wounds infected by the application of silver dressings nanocrystalline combined with dressings hydrocellular].

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted with the objective to assess, in real clinical conditions in primary care and geriatric centers, application and utility of nanocrystalline silver dressings dressings combined with hydrocellular in relation to the development during 20 shifts dressing or complete healing of the characteristics of the lesions included in the study

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective observational multicenter open, repeated measures. It could include injuries of different etiologies (pressure ulcers stage 11-111, lower limb and traumatic wounds or surgical origin), with clinical signs of local infection (at least three of the following: redness, purulent discharge, heat, edema and pain). Only one wound was included per patient. An analysis of effectiveness by intention to treat all lesions included.

RESULTS

We recruited 103 patients who met the inclusion criteria but were collected in which 77 patients were used for nanocrystalline silver dressings in some phase of the study, They had a median of 80 years of age and 58.4% were women. By type of injury: 53.2% pressure ulcers, 31.2% lower extremity ulcers and 14.3% traumatic or surgical wounds. Over 50% of the lesions was older than eight months and a larger area of 22.75 cm2. At first, 70.1% had redness, purulent discharge 64.9%, 37.7% heat edema 42.9% and 65.8% pain. Remained in the study a median of 42.5 days at a rate of change of dressing every 2.5. During this time in 96.1% of the lesions were removed for clinical signs of local infection in a statistically significant (p < or = 0.001). 27.3% healed from injuries and those not healed, 92.9% experienced improvement, and its healing curves were statistically significant (p < 0.05). 92.2% of clinicians assessed treatment with these products as good or excellent.

CONCLUSION

The use of the products used in this study consistent with the concept and PLH TIME, has proved useful in this type of injury reducing the clinical signs of infection, promoting granulation tissue and necrotic removing the burden being able to manage the exudate of an optimal healing and getting one out of three masses.