Efficacy of Nanocrystalline silver dressings in the management of second degree scald burns in children: a prospective comparative study

Dr Sanjay Maurya

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

Efficacy of Nanocrystalline silver dressings in the management of second degree scald burns in children: a prospective comparative study

Dr Sanjay Maurya

Abstract :

Background: Management of paediatric burns is challenging and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Most common cause of paediatric burns is the scald injury. Traditionally these burns have been managed with topical application of 1% Silver Sulphadiazine which requires frequent dressing changes and can have side effects on children. Nanocrystalline silver dressings are newer generation of dressings which release sustained silver thereby obviating these disadvantages of silver sulphadiazine. This study aims to compare the efficacy of nanocrystalline silver dressings over traditional silver sulphadiazine. Materials & Methods: 28 children with 2nd degree scald burn injury were included in the study. 15 were managed with nanocrystalline silver dressings and 13 with silver sulphadiazine. Outcomes measured were frequency of dressing, wound healing time, length of hospitalisation. Secondary outcomes measured were wound infection rates and surgical intervention. Statistical analysis was done using student t–Test. Results: The nanocrystalline silver dressings were associated with decreased wound healing time, reduced frequency of dressings and length of hospitalisation. Wound infection rates and surgical intervention were less in the nanocrystalline silver dressings. Conclusions: The nanocrystalline silver dressings have an advantage over silver sulphadiazine. We recommend its use in paediatric scald burn injury.