Silver Compounds for Caries Management.

Silver metal and compounds have antibacterial properties, although their action's mechanisms are not fully understood. Scientists generally consider that silver disrupts the bacterial cell wall. It causes a structural change in the bacterial cell membrane and cytoplasm. It also stops deoxyribonucleic acid replication, resulting in inactivating enzymatic activity and cell death. The antimicrobial effect of silver-containing compounds relies on the release of bioactive silver ions. Hence, silver metal and compounds have been used in medicine to prevent infection for hundreds of years. Silver metal and compounds are also used as antibacterial agents in dentistry. Studies have shown that silver compounds are effective in the management of dental caries. Fluoride-containing silver compounds have been found in experiments to be beneficial at remineralising dental cavities. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can assist in preventing and arresting tooth cavities. The World Health Organization included SDF in its Model List of Essential Medicine for both adults and children in 2021. Clinicians also use SDF to manage dentine hypersensitivity as well as to inhibit growth of periodontal pathogens. However, traditional silver compounds cause tooth discolouration because of the silver-staining effect. These side effects of their applications depend on the amount applied and the frequency of application. Researchers are developing nanosilver fluoride and silver nanoparticles to overcome the staining. This review gives an overview of the antibacterial mechanism of silver compounds, namely silver nitrate, silver fluoride, SDF, silver nanoparticles, and nano silver fluoride for caries management. The outlook for the future development of silver compounds will be discussed.

Interventions for treating umbilical granuloma: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent umbilical abnormality in infancy period is umbilical granuloma. Although umbilical granuloma treatment with silver nitrate is practised worldwide, silver nitrate cauterisation is high in cost and if silver nitrate comes into contact with healthy tissues, it might cause injury. This systematic review aims to look for evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of all interventions for treating umbilical granuloma in neonates. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Individual and cluster randomised controlled trials will be included in our study. The direct comparisons between two of any interventions for treating umbilical granuloma, including silver nitrate cauterisation, dry care, common salt, alcoholic wipes, topical doxycycline, topical steroid ointment, ligatures, cryosurgery, electrocautery, surgical excision and no intervention will be investigated. Primary outcomes will be the healing rate after 2 weeks of treatment and the incidence of cord-related adverse events. We will search CENTRAL, Embase and MEDLINE. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not applicable in this study since we will retrieve and analyse data from previous published studies. The results of this systematic review are expected to be published in a scientific journal and presented at medical conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022369915.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Combined Silver Nitrate Coagulation and Shave Excision With Surgical Excision and Linear Closure in the Treatment of Pyogenic Granuloma.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common benign vascular neoplasia. Optimal treatment should have an aesthetically pleasant scar and a low recurrence rate. No treatment method that is fully effective in solving these has been demonstrated. Silver nitrate cauterization is another method for the management of PG lesions. OBJECTIVE: The effects of silver nitrate on the treatment of PG have not been sufficiently investigated and should be investigated with objective data and a controlled study. METHODS: The prospective clinical trial was designed to compare silver nitrate cauterization with surgical excision treatment. Procedure times and procedure costs, comfort and satisfaction scales, recurrences, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Score, and the Vancouver Scar Scale were compared to evaluate treatments. RESULTS: Silver nitrate treatment had lower procedure times, costs, and better satisfaction and comfort scale scores. The scar assessment scores were better for the silver nitrate treatment. The patients in both groups were successfully treated and no recurrence was seen. CONCLUSION: Silver nitrate cauterization is low-cost, fast, safe, reliable, and effective with good aesthetic results for the treatment of PG lesions. This study shows that silver nitrate cauterization is a good alternative to surgical excision in the management of PG.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study / Cauterización de la matriz con nitrato de plata para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies en niños: estudio piloto

Background Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described as the treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silver nitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrix cauterization after partial onychectomy. Methods A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenails stage 2–3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018–2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months after the surgical procedure to date. Results One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12–29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recurrences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in most patients. Conclusions Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidity and low recurrence rate (AU)

Antecedentes Aunque la onicectomía parcial con matricectomía química ha sido descrita como tratamiento de elección en los casos de uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies, existe escasa evidencia en la literatura en cuanto al uso de nitrato de plata para matricectomía. Nuestro objetivo es describir la efectividad del nitrato de plata para cauterización de la matriz tras onicectomía parcial. Métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en pacientes con uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies estadio 2-3, sometidos a onicectomía parcial con matricectomía con nitrato de plata durante los años 2018 y 2019 en nuestra institución. Se evaluó a todos los pacientes en la clínica ambulatoria el 7.° y 30.° días postoperatorios, realizándose una evaluación telefónica cada 6 meses, a contar desde la fecha de la intervención quirúrgica. Resultados Se incluyó a 123 pacientes, a quienes se realizaron 231 onicectomías parciales con matricectomía química con nitrato de plata, con un seguimiento medio de 21 meses (rango intercuartílico: 12-29). El procedimiento tuvo una efectividad del 95,3%, con solo 11 recidivas (4,7%) reportadas hasta el seguimiento. Se observaron infecciones postoperatorias en 4 pacientes (1,7%). Los efectos adversos, tales como dolor y el flujo postoperatorio, fueron irrelevantes en muchos pacientes. Conclusiones La matricectomía con nitrato de plata tras onicectomía parcial es una alternativa efectiva y segura para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en niños, con escasa morbilidad postoperatoria y baja tasa de recidiva (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Cauterización de la matriz con nitrato de plata para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies en niños: estudio piloto / Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study

Antecedentes Aunque la onicectomía parcial con matricectomía química ha sido descrita como tratamiento de elección en los casos de uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies, existe escasa evidencia en la literatura en cuanto al uso de nitrato de plata para matricectomía. Nuestro objetivo es describir la efectividad del nitrato de plata para cauterización de la matriz tras onicectomía parcial. Métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en pacientes con uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies estadio 2-3, sometidos a onicectomía parcial con matricectomía con nitrato de plata durante los años 2018 y 2019 en nuestra institución. Se evaluó a todos los pacientes en la clínica ambulatoria el 7.° y 30.° días postoperatorios, realizándose una evaluación telefónica cada 6 meses, a contar desde la fecha de la intervención quirúrgica. Resultados Se incluyó a 123 pacientes, a quienes se realizaron 231 onicectomías parciales con matricectomía química con nitrato de plata, con un seguimiento medio de 21 meses (rango intercuartílico: 12-29). El procedimiento tuvo una efectividad del 95,3%, con solo 11 recidivas (4,7%) reportadas hasta el seguimiento. Se observaron infecciones postoperatorias en 4 pacientes (1,7%). Los efectos adversos, tales como dolor y el flujo postoperatorio, fueron irrelevantes en muchos pacientes. Conclusiones La matricectomía con nitrato de plata tras onicectomía parcial es una alternativa efectiva y segura para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en niños, con escasa morbilidad postoperatoria y baja tasa de recidiva (AU)

Background Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described as the treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silver nitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrix cauterization after partial onychectomy. Methods A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenails stage 2–3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018–2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months after the surgical procedure to date. Results One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12–29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recurrences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in most patients. Conclusions Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidity and low recurrence rate (AU)

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study. / [Artículo traducido] Cauterización de la matriz con nitrato de plata para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies en niños: estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described asthe treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silvernitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrixcauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenailsstage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months afterthe surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recur-rences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in mostpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safealternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidityand low recurrence rate.

The effectiveness of matrix ablation with silver nitrate in the treatment of ingrown toenails. A single-center case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Partial onychectomy with chemical matrixectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for stage II-III ingrown toenails (IT). However, there are scarce reports describing the use of silver nitrate in IT management in adolescents. Our aim is to analyze the effectiveness of matrix ablation with silver nitrate and compare it with partial onychectomy by electrocautery. METHODS: A retrospective study of adolescent patients with stage II-III IT was performed. Those who underwent electrocautery matricectomy in a major outpatient surgical center (Group A) and those who were treated with silver nitrate at an outpatient clinic (Group B) were compared. Efficacy was determined by recurrence and postoperative infection rates. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine patients were included (86 group A; 123 group B), with a total of 382 partial onychectomies (151 group A; 231 group B). Group B patients exhibited a lower recurrence rate (4.7%) when compared to group A (11.2%, p = .02), and had a lower postoperative infection rate (4.0% group A vs. 1.7% group B; p = .18), although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Silver nitrate chemical matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective treatment for IT in adolescents, with few postoperative complications and low recurrence rate. Therefore, it should be considered as a possible alternative to electrocautery matricectomy.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described as the treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silver nitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrix cauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenails stage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months after the surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recurrences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidity and low recurrence rate.

Randomised comparative study on the efficacy of 3% versus 30% NaCl solution in the treatment of umbilical granuloma.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 3% versus 30% NaCl solution in treating umbilical granuloma (UG) and to evaluate parental satisfaction. METHODS: A randomised, double-blinded, comparative study in neonates with UG was conducted. Stratified, block-of-four randomisation was used to allocate neonates into two groups, treated with 3% or 30% pharmaceutical-grade NaCl solution, three times daily. The time to resolution was determined by daily photographs of UG and weekly hospital visits. If there was no response after 2 weeks, silver nitrate was used. Parental satisfaction was measured on a rating scale of 1-5. RESULTS: One hundred neonates were enrolled, 48 in the 3% NaCl group and 52 in the 30% NaCl group. Baseline demographic data were not different between the groups. There was no significant difference in the resolution rate (93.8% vs 98.1%) or the median (interquartile range) time to resolution (7 (5-13) vs 7 (4-11) days) between the 3% and 30% NaCl groups, respectively. No skin burn or cellulitis was detected. About 95% of parents scored >4 for satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertonic NaCl solution is highly effective in treating UG without side effects. Hypertonic NaCl solution should be considered as an alternative treatment for UG.

Hypertrophic Granulation Wounds Treated With Silver Nitrate Sticks or With Topical Steroid: Rate of Wound Closure.

Hypertrophic granulation (HG) is abnormal granulation tissue raised above the level of surrounding intact skin and is thought to delay wound healing. Effective treatment to eliminate HG could speed healing, but this is not well studied. Two common treatments are chemical cautery with silver nitrate, and the use of topical steroids. In a Midwestern burn and wound clinic, both of these treatments are employed. A quality improvement project compared wound size reduction for HG wounds undergoing the two treatment modalities. Retrospective chart review identified HG wounds treated during a 1-year period, and compared wound size prior to and after 1 month of treatment (length, width, and surface area). Results were presented to the clinic staff, and 1 year later the quality assurance project was repeated. The initial audit found data on 18 patients treated with silver nitrate cautery, and 16 patients treated with 1% hydrocortisone cream. Median length and width were decreased by 5 mm with silver nitrate cautery treatment, and by 14 mm with 1% hydrocortisone treatment (P < .05). The repeat audit 1 year later found 10 patients treated with silver nitrate, and 38 treated with hydrocortisone. Median length and width decreased by 0 and 2 mm respectively for silver nitrate cautery treatment, and 15 and 10 mm for 1% hydrocortisone treatment (P < .05). In conclusion, this uncontrolled review suggests faster healing in HG wounds treated with 1% hydrocortisone compared with those treated with silver nitrate cautery. Confirmation with controlled and randomized studies is warranted.

Effect of Silver Nitrate Application on the Success of Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing additional procedures in endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (End-DCR) surgery and discuss the factors affecting the success of End-DCR surgery in light of relevant literature. METHODS: The study included 155 patients who underwent End-DCR surgery in our clinic due to epiphora. This was a prospective randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. Group I (control) included 54 patients who did not undergo silicone stent insertion or silver nitrate application, group II included 51 patients who underwent silicone stent insertion only, and group III included 50 patients who underwent silver nitrate application only. Statistical analysis was performed on follow-up data regarding anatomic and functional success rates. RESULTS: Revision surgery was performed in 16 patients who developed persistent epiphora in the postoperative period, including 6 in group I, 7 in group II, and 3 in group III (P = .4). The most common reason for revision surgery was stenosis of the neo-ostium (n = 8), followed by granulation tissue formation (n = 5) and synechia formation (n = 3). Granuloma formation was the most common postoperative complication, and a significant difference was found among the groups with regard to granuloma formation (P = .04). At postoperative month 12, the functional success rate was estimated to be 88%, 86%, and 94%, and the anatomic success rate was estimated to be 94%, 92%, and 96% in groups I, II, and III, respectively, with no significant difference, found among the 3 groups with regard to both rates (P = .79 and P = .76, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that stenting and silver nitrate application did not affect surgical success. Our preliminary results on silver nitrate cauterization showed that it is an effective, inexpensive, and practical method to reduce granulation formation in the postoperative period.

OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM in Italy: it is time for change.

Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) refers to any conjunctivitis occurring in the first 28 days of life. In the past Neisseria gonorrhoeae was the most common cause of ON. It decreased with the introduction of prophylaxis at birth with the instillation of silver nitrate 2% (the Credè's method of prophylaxis). Today, the term ON is used to define any other bacterial infection, in particular due to Chlamydia Trachomatis. Currently, the WHO reccomends topical ocular prophylaxis for prevention of gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis for all neonates. On the contrary, several European countries no longer require universal prophylaxis, opting for screening and treatment of pregnant women at high risk of infection. And what about Italy? Have a look on Italian history of prophylaxis, starting by the first decree issued in 1940, signed by Benito Mussolini. In the following decades the law has undergone many changes. At the moment, legislation is unclear, therefore careful consideration is required in order to draft the correct appoach.

Fluoruro diamino de plata. Lo que necesitamos saber / Diamine silver fluoride. What we need to know

Introducción: El fluoruro diamino de plata deriva de la unión del nitrato de plata y fluoruro. Reduce el avance de la caries y la degeneración de colágeno en la dentina. Impide la desmineralización y fomenta la remineralización del esmalte y la dentina. Por su sencilla aplicación es un material de gran interés en aquellos niños con ansiedad o poco colaboradores. El objetivo de esta revisión es comparar las recomendaciones de uso, frecuencia y porcentaje de aplicación del fluoruro diamino de plata en dentición temporal. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos Pubmed/Medline y Science Direct usando términos Mesh. Se han incluido estudios realizados en pacientes entre 0 y 5 años, publicados entre 2016-2020. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 12 artículos para examinar y contrastar los protocolos de porcentaje y continuidad de aplicación del fluoruro diamino de plata. Dicho material ha sido analizado en referencia a diversas variables como su frecuencia de aplicación, concentración y seguimiento, entre otros. Se describen los resultados de fluoruro diamino de plata en el microbioma presente en la placa de individuos y se cotejan los rasgos de microbioma asistentes en la placa entre la caries detenida y activa después de tratamiento. Gracias a las ventajas de este material se consigue un mejor manejo de conducta del paciente, disminuyendo su ansiedad. Conclusiones: Según los resultados analizados la aplicación más efectiva del fluoruro diamino de plata es al 38% cada 6 meses. (AU)

Introduction: Silver diamine fluoride is derived from the union of silver nitrate and fluoride. Reduce the progression of cavities and collagen degeneration in the dentin. Prevents demineralization and promotes remineralization of enamel and dentin. Due to its simple application, it is a material of great interest to those children with anxiety or little collaborators. The objective of this review is to compare the recommendations for use, frequency and percentage of application of silver diamine fl uoride in primary dentition. Methods: The Pubmed / Medline and Science Direct databases were searched using Mesh terms. Studies carried out in patients between 0 and 5 years old, published between 2016-2020, have been included. Results: Twelve articles were obtained to examine and contrast the protocols of percentage and continuity of application of silver diamine fluoride. This material has been analyzed in reference to various variables such as its frequency of application, concentration and monitoring, among others. The results of silver diamine fluoride in the microbiome present in the plate of individuals are described and the assisting microbiome traits in the plate are compared between the arrested and active caries after treatment. Thanks to the advantages of this material, a better management of the patient’s behavior is achieved, reducing their anxiety. Conclusions: According to the results analyzed, the most effective application of silver diamine fl uoride is at 38% every 6 months. (AU)

Prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum in Brazil: A snapshot using a multi-professional national survey.

BACKGROUND: Brazil is a large country with an elevated incidence of Chlamydiatrachomatis (CT) and Neisseriagonorrhoeae (NG) during pregnancy and variable access to health care. The objective of the study was to identify ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis practices in the country. METHODS: A prospective multidisciplinary survey was conducted using a closed social media group. Fifteen questions were developed after literature review. Specific content included categorization of respondents and practices such as type of medication, age at administration, occurrence of clinical and/or chemical conjunctivitis and microbiology identification. Questions were multiple choice, but some allowed written response. RESULTS: A total of 1.015 professionals responded, representing 24 states (92%) and 181 cities; mainly neonatologists (64%) and general pediatricians (21%). 96% of respondents reported performing prophylaxis at their institutions, mostly at birth or <1 h of life (99%), and regardless the mode of delivery (73%). Frequently used medications are: 1% silver nitrate (64%), 2.5% povidone iodine (18%) or 10% silver vitelinate (12%), with some regional variations. Occurrence of chemical conjunctivitis was stated by 58% of the respondents and microbiology identification was unusual. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis Brazil is almost universal and mainly performed by the use of anti-septic medications, with some regional variability. However, identification and treatment of CT and NG in both parents and newborns is not accomplished.

Use of Silver Nitrate Application as Mini-Invasive Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cure rate and adverse effects of silver nitrate application for treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). Methods: Number of sinus pit orifices, and complications with silver nitrate application and debridement for sacrococcygeal PSD between January 2015 and July 2018 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Data were obtained from surgical, discharge, and outpatient follow-up records. Among 56 patients who were treated with silver nitrate stick, 11 patients with incomplete hospital records were excluded from the study. Demographic data including age, gender, length of follow-up, number of silver nitrate applications, number of involved sinuses and recurrence and complication rates were recorded. Results were expressed as frequencies, means, and range of values. The Mann Whitney U and chi square tests were used to evaluate significance. Results: Mean age was 24.3 +- 5.18 (range, 14 - 36) years, and recurrence occurred in 4 (8.9%) patients. Complications developed in 10 (22.2%) patients and included abscess, erythema, and necrosis in 5 (11.1%), 2 (4.4%), and 3 (6.6%) patients, respectively. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients who developed abscesses during the follow-up period (p = 0.001) than those who did not. There was no statistically significant correlation between the recurrence rate and number of sinuses or the number of silver nitrate applications. CONCLUSION: Low morbidity and high healing rates achieved with silver nitrate provide support for this application as a feasible and effective conservative outpatient treatment for PSD in certain patients.

Treating hard-to-heal ulcers: biocellulose with nanosilver compared with silver sulfadiazine.

OBJECTIVE: Controlling infection and promoting healing should be the aims of hard-to-heal diabetic ulcer treatment, along with improving a patient's general condition and their blood sugar control. Many hard-to-heal diabetic ulcers present with cavities, tracks or a combination of these. There is a new biocellulose (with a nanosilver dressing) which has the ability to contour around and conform to the irregular surface of a wound bed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its efficacy compared with a silver sulfadiazine cream, for hard-to-heal diabetic ulcer treatment. METHODS: In this randomised control trial, patients with hard-to-heal diabetic ulcers were divided into two equal-sized groups: treatment with the biocellulose with blue nanosilver (experimental group), and treatment with silver sulfadiazine cream group (control group). Cotton gauze was used as the secondary dressing for both groups. Demographic data, wound size, wound classification, wound photography and bacterial cultures were recorded at the beginning of the study. Wounds were debrided as necessary. Dressings were changed twice daily in the control group, and every three days in the experimental group. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients took part in the study (10 patients in each group). The highest mean wound healing rates were 91.4% in the experimental group and 83.9% in the control group. No wound infections or adverse effects from the dressings were detected in either group. CONCLUSION: In this study, biocellulose with blue nanosilver adapted well to the wound bed. Wound reduction was greater in the experimental group than the control group. Biocellulose with blue nanosilver could therefore be a good choice for hard-to-heal diabetic ulcer treatment, due to its good healing rates and minimal care requirements.

The addition of silver nitrate cautery to antiseptic nasal cream for patients with epistaxis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines and a search of electronic information was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis. Treatment success and persistence of bleeding were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included treatment side effects. Fixed effects modelling was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Four studies enrolling 240 patients were identified. There was no significant difference between silver nitrate cautery group and antiseptic cream alone group in terms of complete resolution (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.07, P = 0.81), the partial resolution (OR = 1.02, P = 0.96) and persistence of bleeding (OR = 0.91, P = 0.71). For secondary outcomes, antiseptic nasal cream was associated with few side effects such as rash in one case and several complaints of bad smell or taste. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of silver nitrate cautery is not superior to the use of antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis as it does not improve treatment success or persistence of bleeding.

Uso de apósitos en quemaduras / Dressing options in burns

Además de la naturaleza y el alcance de las lesiones que influyen en las infecciones, el tipo y la cantidad de microorganismos que colonizan la herida por quemadura parecen influir en el riesgo futuro de infección invasiva de la misma. Por esta razón, en el presente artículo analizamos algunas de las diferentes opciones de apósitos utilizados más frecuentemente en el manejo de la lesión por quemadura, con mayor énfasis en los empleados personalmente y considerando que el conocimiento adecuado de estos productos favorece el manejo ambulatorio de los pacientes que sufren quemaduras, puesto que son herramientas efectivas siempre y cuando se utilicen en la manera y tiempo adecuados

In addition to the nature and extent of the lesions influencing infections, the type and number of microorganisms that colonize the burn wound appear to influence the future risk of invasive wound infection. For this reason, this article discusses some of the different dressing options most frequently used in the management of burn injury, more emphatically in those used personally, considering that the appropriate knowledge of these products promote the outpatient management of patients suffering burns; dressings provide effective tools as long as they are used in an appropriate manner and time

Outcome Of Use Of 1% Silver Nitrate In Patients With Low Lying Perianal Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal fistula is a common illness which is seen among the middle-aged male patients. Various surgical procedures have been proposed and are associated with the recurrence of the fistula, repeated surgery and in some cases incontinence which may reach up to 43% in complicated fistulas. The purpose of this study was to assess and formulate a non-surgical procedure for fistula in ano through irrigation of the fistula tract with 1% of silver nitrate solution in healing the low perianal fistula. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients presenting to the outpatient department of Ward 3, Surgical unit 1 in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre during a period of 8 months from April to November 2017 with complain of perianal pain and pussy discharge were included in the study. Three patients of the total 79 patients lost to follow up. Outcome measure were cessation of the symptoms for consecutive 10 weeks. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were assessed and underwent irrigation using this 1% of silver nitrate solution. Out of 76 patients, 58 (76.3%) patients showed complete clinical healing while 18 (23.68%) of patients showed failure to clinical healing. Patients with continuous discharge had a significantly higher rate of complete clinical healing than those with intermittent discharge. CONCLUSIONS: From this study it can be concluded that cauterizing and corrosive properties of silver nitrate are effective in treating the patients with low lying perianal fistula. We suggest that this method should be used as a first line treatment option for all the patients presenting with low lying anal fistula since it is simple, can be easily performed on an OPD basis is minimally invasive and avoids any complication.