Introduction: The use of silver plated nylon dressings has been well described in both animal and human models. Its antibacterial activity is well documented. The addition of microcurrent to the silver nylon has been shown to increase silver release and bactericidal activity. In the animal model it has also been shown to decrease the time required for healing, provide increased quality of the healed wound and significantly reduce dermal fibrosis. We have previously described the safe use of microcurrent in conjunction with Silverlon^®, an Autocatalytic Silver Plated Nylon dressing commercially available for burn and wound care.

Hypothesis: The addition of microcurrent to Silverlon^® burn dressing in donor and STSG sites after full thickness burn will result in improved healing, faster time to wound closure and decreased pain during healing.

Methods: Patients admitted with full thickness burn wounds requiring debridement and split thickness skin grafting were enrolled after informed consent. Subjects were randomized into either the microcurrent group (SNDC) or a Silverlon^® control group. After grafting was complete the donor and grafted sites were dressed with Silverlon^® contact dressing. The SNDC dressings were then connected to a microgenerator providing between 15 and 50 microamps of current based upon the varied resistance of the wound surface. Results were followed by direct observation, digital photography, patient pain scales and time to closure. Silver levels were also obtained from both groups.

Results: Enrollment is still underway. While no statistical results are as of yet available, the first several microcurrent patients have led to significant observational results. The microcurrent group appears to have routinely healed with decreased pain and need for narcotics, and closed more rapidly almost uniformly resulting in decreased hospital stays. Statistical analysis utilizing the Student’s t-test will be completed at the end of the study enrollment which is expected to be within the next 2-3 months.

All of the Silverlon^® Wound Care, Burn Care, and Surgical Products listed on this website are FDA Cleared.

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