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Case Study/Series
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Treatment with Silver Polymeric Membrane Dressings* Leads to Closure of Stalled Wounds First Author: Dasie Wilson Authors: Dasie Wilson, RNC, MPA, ET-CWCN, CCCN Problem Elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities often develop wounds that stall, are painful, and further debilitate the patient. Wound care is expensive and time-consuming. This study explores histories of three elderly debilitated diabetic patients with stalled wounds. Rationale Polymeric membrane dressings reduce wound pain and inhibit infection while donating or absorbing moisture as needed. Ingredients draw and concentrate healing substances from body into wound bed to promote rapid healing while loosening bonds between slough and wound. Liquefied slough is absorbed by dressing, often eliminating need for wound bed cleansing. Silver polymeric membrane dressings have antimicrobial properties. Also, nanocrystalline silver inhibits inflammation, a significant factor in stalled wounds. Methodology Wound bed flushed with normal saline, silver polymeric membrane dressing applied. Per manufacturer, no wound cleansing done during dressing changes (every three days) unless wound contaminated with stool. Silver polymeric membrane dressings to be used to complete wound closure. Results Significant improvement seen in all three patients after only 48 hours, with autolytic debridement occurring. At two weeks, all wounds dramatically smaller with increased epithelization and granulation tissue, no maceration. Conclusion Wounds immediately began healing instead of continuing to deteriorate. Dressing changes very time efficient Ð remove old, apply new. |
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