Systematic review of antimicrobial agents used for chronic wounds.
BACKGROUND
This paper is one of a series of eight systematic reviews that aim to identify effective interventions for chronic wounds. Here, antimicrobial agents are evaluated.


METHODS
Electronic databases and other relevant sources were accessed to identify published and unpublished material. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they used concurrent controls, recruited participants with chronic wounds, evaluated an intervention designed to prevent or treat chronic wounds, and incorporated an objective assessment of wound healing. All included studies were assessed against a comprehensive checklist for methodological quality. A narrative overview was conducted.


RESULTS
Thirty trials were included, 25 of randomized design. Small sample size and other methodological problems meant that findings were often difficult to interpret. Results do not support the routine use of systemic antibiotics for leg ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers without acute infection, but they may be useful as an adjunct to surgery for pilonidal sinuses. Several topical preparations may be helpful, including dimethyl sulphoxide, silver sulphadiazine, benzoyl peroxide, oxyquinoline and gentamicin.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of this research requires replication in larger, well designed studies to establish both clinical and cost effectiveness.
O'Meara
S M
SM
NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Centre for Evidence Based Nursing and Department of Health Studies, University of York, York, UK. smo4@york.ac.uk
Cullum
N A
NA
Majid
M
M
Sheldon
T A
TA
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy; D010864:Pilonidal Sinus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014456:Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents