Aquacel Ag in the management of partial-thickness burns: results of a clinical trial

J Burn Care Rehabil. 2004 Jan-Feb;25(1):89-97. doi: 10.1097/01.BCR.0000107202.85453.63.

Abstract

Aquacel Hydrofiber is a moisture retentive topical dressing that has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious for the management of partial-thickness burns, showing parity for most dressing related aspects to cadaver skin for this indication. Recently, 1.2% w/w silver has been added to the Aquacel Hydrofiber, to create Aquacel Ag. This new material releases silver within the dressing for up to two weeks, and it is this duration that differentiates it from other sustained release silver delivery products indicated for burn management. The dressing was tested in a phase II noncomparative trial in superficial, mid dermal, and mixed partial-thickness burns. Percentage and speed of reepithelialization were satisfactory and appear to be similar at least to results noted with silver sulfadiazine, although, no direct comparisons were performed in this study. Pain reduction between baseline and postburn day number three and five was statistically significant. Conformability, general ease of use and other functional dressing properties were rated very positively. Overall, Aquacel Ag combines several properties known to be beneficial for the management of partial-thickness burns and is a very good choice for superficial and mid-thickness burn injuries.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burns / therapy*
  • Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occlusive Dressings*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Silver / administration & dosage*
  • Time Factors
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Silver
  • Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium