The use of silver nitrate-incorporated amniotic membrane as a temporary dressing.

Human amniotic membrane is one of the most effective biological dressings used in burn treatment. Since 1978, we have been using human amniotic membrane incorporating 0.5 per cent silver nitrate. Studies in 96 patients using this method showed that the silver-incorporated membranes gave a better therapeutic effect than plain amniotic membranes. It was noted that 0.5 per cent silver nitrate incorporated into the membranes increased their manageability, provided easier application to the burned area and created a bactericidal effect, therefore reducing the risk of contamination and infection. One of the main advantages of wound coverage with amniotic membrane is that it does not appear to discourage re-epithelization, reduces fluid, protein, heat and energy loss, increases mobility and most important this may be the ideal wound cover next to the patient's own skin. Therefore, we highly recommend the use of 0.5 per cent silver nitrate-incorporated amniotic membrane, since it is readily available and freely obtainable, has low preparation and storage costs that make it an ideal dressing to use, especially in countries where economic factors prevent the purchase of other types of dressings.