Schierholz J M, Lucas L J, Rump A, Pulverer G
Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Cologne.
J Hosp Infect. 1998 Dec;40(4):257-62. doi: 10.1016/s0195-6701(98)90301-2.
Silver coating of medical devices is believed to prevent device-associated infection. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies, as well as clinical observations on silver-nylon, silver-intramedullary pins, silver oxide Foley catheters and silver-coated vascular prostheses have been performed during the past 30 years. Nevertheless, randomized clinical studies showing efficacy of such coated medical devices in high-risk patient populations are rare, have dealt with very small numbers of patients or are controversial. Physico-chemical, pharmacological and microbiological data explaining the antimicrobial efficacy of silver in prophylaxis of implants are presented here, as well as the scientific background for the established clinical benefits of silver-preparations in burns.
