Topical antimicrobial prophylaxis in minor wounds.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ability of a novel topical antimicrobial gel containing cetrimide, bacitracin, and polymyxin B sulfate to prevent infections of minor wounds.


METHODS
A clinical trial compared the test preparation with placebo and a povidone iodine antiseptic cream.


METHODS
Five primary schools in Sydney, Australia, participated in the study over a 6-week spring/summer school term.


METHODS
Children aged 5-12 years with parental consent were eligible for study participation. Accidental injuries occurring at school were treated in a standardized manner by nurses at each site.


METHODS
Wounds were evaluated by the medical practitioner after 3 days of topical treatment. The clinical outcome was classified as resolution or suspected infection. If a clinical infection was suspected, the injury was swabbed for microbiologic evaluation. Growth of a dominant microorganism was classified as a microbiologic infection.


RESULTS
Of the 177 injuries treated, there were nine clinical infections. A comparison of these showed a significant difference among treatment groups (p < 0.05). This difference was associated with the test preparation and placebo; the test preparation reduced the incidence of clinical infection from 12.5% to 1.6% (p < 0.05; 95% CI, 0.011 to 0.207). A comparison of microbiologic infections showed no significant differences among treatment groups (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The novel gel preparation containing cetrimide, bacitracin, and polymyxin B sulfate showed therapeutic action and reduced the incidence of clinical infections in minor accidental wounds. It may be a suitable product for first aid prophylaxis.
Langford
J H
JH
Department of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Artemi
P
P
Benrimoj
S I
SI
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001414:Bacitracin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077286:Cetrimonium; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011112:Polymyxin B / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D001414:Bacitracin; D011112:Polymyxin B; D000077286:Cetrimonium