Correlation between Bacterial Wound Colonization and Skin-Graft Loss in Burn Patients

Abstract

Loss of skin grafts can be a dangerous complication during the early postoperative course of patients with extensive burns. A major risk factor for impaired healing of grafts is local wound infection due to bacterial colonization. Burn wounds are particularly prone to bacterial colonization. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed correlations between bacteria isolates from burn wounds and loss of skin grafts after surgical treatment. A cohort of patients with burn wounds who received split-skin grafts for wound coverage was divided into groups with and without loss of skin grafts. Demographics, comorbidities, trauma characteristics and bacterial isolates from wound cultures were reviewed and compared. Bacterial colonization isolated from burn wounds upon hospital admission was found to be a significant predictor of skin-graft loss. Additionally, an Abbreviated Burn Severity Index greater 6 predicted graft loss. When comparing bacterial swab results from admission with isolates from revision surgery after graft loss, causative pathogens were found to have changed.

Animal tissue-derived biomaterials for promoting wound healing

“…If this keeps happening, the wound can become chronic and stop healing. [43][44][45][46] Therefore, it is vital to remove the contaminating microbes during the inflammation phase. In recent decades, numerous antibacterial agents have been developed and the existence of antibacterial materials could be classified into the following types: antibiotics, antibacterial nanoparticles and others.…”

“…The presence of Gram-positive bacteria is notable in the early stages of infection, whereas Gram-negative bacteria appear in the stably established wounds. 43,45,46 According to the findings of recent clinical trials, using contemporary wound dressings may be the most convenient, affordable, and successful way to treat unhealed wounds. As a result, wound dressing development has a lot of potential.…”