engleski

The effect of occlusive hydrocolloid dressing on microbial flora of chronic leg ulcers

The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in microbial flora of chronic leg ulcers treated with occlusive hydrocolloid (HC) dressing. 80 patients with lower extremity ulcer of different aetiologies, although mainly of venous origin, were divided in two groups: 30 patients received local wound management consisting of the application of an adhesive HC occlusive dressing, 50 patients (controls) were treated with saline dressing and ointments for re-epithelisation. Aerobic, anaerobic and mycotic cultures were performed before commencement of treatment and two weeks thereafter. The results showed a mixed flora with prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. Besides these, other species of the Enterobacteriacae, Streptococcacae and coagulasa-negative staphylococci were found. Other organisms were isolated less frequently. After two weeks of therapy, subsequent bacteriological findings were similar in both tratemnt groups, showing qualitative persistance of the original flora, especially Proteus spp. However, HC therapy significantly reduced number of Pseudomonas spp. and Staphylococcus spp. isolates, diminishing the risk of ulcer contamination or infection. Besides, by patients, reported convenience in management and substantial relief of pain, beneficial action of HC dressing on the wound bed is that it aids in inhibiting growth and decreasing bacterial number. HC therapy seems to be efctive at preventing or minimizing infection of chronic leg ulcers.

microbial flora; leg ulcers; hydrocolloid dressing

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