title: The use of cerium nitrate-silver sulphadiazine as a topical burns dressing.
abstract: Infection remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality following the shock phase in the burn patient. Measures to reduce the risk of wound infection and subsequent sepsis include early excision where possible, and the use of topical antimicrobial creams such as silver sulphadiazine. Studies from the USA and Europe suggest the addition of cerium nitrate to this commonly used agent may improve its efficacy. We present the findings of a pilot study which investigated the action of a commercial preparation of cerium nitrate/silver sulphadiazine mixture (Flammacerium, Duphar B. V. Holland) on 20 patients considered unsuitable for surgery. There were no episodes of cellulitis or septicaemia. Flammacerium was noted to produce an adherent eschar that was easy to shave and which received split skin grafts well.
authors.affiliation: South-West Thames Regional Burns Unit, Queen Mary's University Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Phipps
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Clarke
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D002563:Cerium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; C046337:cerous nitrate, sulfadiazine silver drug combination; D002563:Cerium; D012837:Silver Sulfadiazine