Clinical Experience of ActicoatTM Treatment in Extensive Burn Wounds

Abstract

ActicoatTM (Smith & Nephew, Hull, UK) is a relatively new form of silver antimicrobial barrier dressing produces a moist healing environment along with the sustained release of ionic silver for improved microbial control. The benefits of acticoat in the management of extensive burn wounds have been well established. Acticoat has been reported to reduce wound infection and promote healing. No evidence has emerged of resistance or cytotoxicity to acticoat. Given these potential advantages, we have used acticoat in a variety of treatment of extensive burn wounds at burn unit, Siriraj Hospital during September 2002-May 2005. We reviewed with attention to wound etiology, % of organism colonization, efficacy and cost effectiveness. Due to its long lasting properties led to less frequent dressing changes and reduce trauma and pain to burn patients. It is particularly benefit to patients who suffered from partial thickness burn wound especially in children and high% of total body surface area (TBSA) patients (>15%). Acticoat treatment in extensive burn wounds also confirmed its efficacy, low labor cost set up and cost effectiveness compared to conventional dressing with silver zinc sulfadiazine.