Keywords

cardiac surgery, diabetes, nanocrystalline silver dressings, postoperative infection, sternotomy, surgical site infection, wound dressings

Authors

1. Parys, Monika BSN, RN
2. Jazwiec, Tomasz MD
3. Kowalczuk-Wieteska, Anetta PhD, MD
4. Majchrzyk, Iwona RN
5. Gancarczyk, Halina RN
6. Skoczen, Aleksandra RN
7. Kumor, Julita RN
8. Mijacz, Monika RN
9. Kubacki, Krzysztof MD
10. Zembala, Michal Oskar MD
11. Zembala, Marian MD

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the suitability of nanocrystalline-coated silver dressings versus standard wound dressings in patients with type 2 diabetes after coronary revascularization.

METHODS: The study involved 194 patients who were divided into two homogeneous groups. The control group (n = 97) received a standard sterile dressing. The intervention group (n = 97) received silver dressings. Glycosylated hemoglobin, fructosamine, and creatinine were assessed in all patients. The emergence of superficial wound infection within 30 days was the primary endpoint of the study, and deep wound infections were a secondary endpoint.

MAIN RESULTS: Superficial wound infections were documented in 26 patients: 11 patients in the study group and 15 in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups regarding the occurrence of the primary endpoint. No deep wound infections were found in either the study or control group.

CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of sternotomy wound infection in patients with type 2 diabetes is comparable between patients treated with traditional dressings and those receiving silver dressings; therefore, to maximize cost savings, providers should consider using standard wound dressings in this patient population.