Are Silver Products Safe and Effective for Chronic Wound Management?

The effectiveness of silver‐releasing dressings in the management of non‐healing chronic wounds: a meta‐analysis

“…Paper excluded n = 1840 Not relevant to review or duplicates Bergin and Wraight (2006) Systematic review in diabetic foot ulcer Sibbald et al (2005) Lacking in rigour O' Meara et al (2001) Lacking in rigour Bolton (2006) Lacking in rigour Rayman et al (2005) Non-comparative study Lazareth et al (2007) Non-comparative study Sibbald et al (2001) Non-comparative study Schuman et al (2007) Non-comparative study Karlsmark et al (2003) Non-comparative study Ziegler et al (2006) Non-comparative study Vanscheidt et al (2003) Non-comparative study Joergensen et al (2007) Non-comparative study Verdu et al (2007) Non-comparative study Rucigaj (2007) Non-comparative study Sigal-Grinberg et al (2007) No useable data was reported Verdu Soriano et al (2004) Definition of outcomes unclear. No further data could be obtained Rogers and Alvarez (2004) Definition of outcomes unclear.…”

Silver-based dressings for the reduction of surgical site infection: Review of current experience and recommendation for future studies

“…The extensive coverage that silver provides against bacteria, fungi and viruses, including the notorious nosocomial pathogens methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycinresistant Enterococci (VRE) [14], make it a valuable adjunct in the prevention and treatment of infection. Silver has both bactericidal effects via oxidation of the cell membrane, and bacteriostatic effects by inhibiting bacterial replication through damage to DNA [15][16][17][18]. Fortunately, toxicity of silver to human cells is considerably less than to bacteria [12].…”

“…Unlike antibiotics, resistance to silver is very rare; instead of targeting a specific cellular process, silver ions directly interact with proteins and other organic molecules, and disrupt electrolyte balances. Silver's affinity to multiple microbial molecules and structures further decreases the risks of resistance [17,19].…”

Nanocrystalline Silver

“…[1][2][3][4] It is effective on aerobic, anaerobic, Gram negative, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi by precipitating the proteins through a combination with chloride in tissues, and by blocking the microbial respiratory chain system. [5][6] Its effectiveness was proved in different clinical settings such as pressure sores, diabetic, and venous ulcerations, [7][8][9][10][11] and on burn patients its use significantly decreased the incidence of sepsis when combined with systemic antibiotics. 12 Older silver formulations usually contained silver ions in the form of silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) and silver sulfadiazine (SilvazineSmith and Nephew, Hull, UK).…”