Aquacel ag® in paediatric burns - a prospective audit.

A variety of dressings are used for the management of paediatric burns. Aquacel Ag® is a silver-impregnated hydrofibre that releases silver within the dressing for up to two weeks. It has been reported in the literature that it is a beneficial dressing for the management of partial-thickness burns. It promotes an appropriate environment for re-epithelialization of the burn wound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use and outcomes of Aquacel Ag® dressing in paediatric burn patients. This was a prospective audit carried out in the period January-July 2005. The healing time was satisfactory. The dressing normally adheres to the burn wound for up to two weeks and thus requires less frequent changes. In our study, patients required three to four outer dressing changes. However, Aquacel Ag® has not been compared with other dressings. Overall pain requirements were reduced during subsequent dressing changes. It was also easy to apply the dressing in the majority of our patients. Non-adherence was one of the problems encountered but, overall, Aquacel Ag® appeared to be a safe, effective, and comfortable dressing.