Description

It is well established that high levels of rapidly proliferating, pathogenic bacteria (infection) can impair healing of wounds.  More recently, multiple laboratory and clinical studies have documented that when bacteria attach and create a biofilm, they can exhibit very high tolerance to antibodies, antibiotics, antiseptics, and killing by neutrophils. A chronic inflammatory state also occurs that destroy proteins that are essential for healing.  Biofilm-based chronic wound care emphasizes the “Step-Down Then Step-Up” concepts of initiating aggressive and frequent debridement to remove necrotic tissue and associated biofilm combined with topical and systemic antimicrobial treatments to prevent bacteria reforming biofilms and killing any residual biofilm bacteria. When the wound bioburden is adequately reduced, inflammation and protease levels are reduced, and wounds can begin to spontaneously heal or treatment can be “Stepped-Up” using advanced wound care products that stimulate healing.

Specialty

• 
  Wound

Learning Outcome

Handouts

• (410) Current Trends on Pharmacological Treatments of Wound Infections

Additional Info

Pharmacology Credits:
0.50