Abstract
Objective:
To measure systemic silver absorption when using silver-impregnated alginate central catheter dressings in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates and to monitor blood stream infection.
Study Design:
Fifty infants were enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled trial lasting 28 days. Each patient was assigned to standard dressing or silver alginate (Algidex) group. Serum silver concentrations were obtained on day 1, 7, and 28.
Result:
Significant differences in mean serum silver concentrations for the treatment versus standard dressing group were observed using student’s t-test analysis. The silver alginate group had a 45.8% reduction in infection/1000 line days, although too few patients were enrolled to draw meaningful efficacy conclusions about prevention of blood stream infection.
Conclusion:
Mean serum silver concentrations in the treatment group were significantly higher than controls although below levels anticipated to result in toxicity. A large study evaluating reduced blood stream infections in VLBW infants is warranted.
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Khattak, A., Ross, R., Ngo, T. et al. A randomized controlled evaluation of absorption of silver with the use of silver alginate (Algidex) patches in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with central lines. J Perinatol 30, 337–342 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2009.169
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2009.169
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