Statement of Clinical Problem: The increase in the diabetic population is staggering!!  In fact, diabetes impacts 7% of the US population, and an estimated 6.2 million Americans suffer from undiagnosed diabetes (NDIC, 2005).  Because of the prevalence of this disease, diabetic foot ulcers continue to challenge the health care arena.  Not only do we need a dressing which will decrease the bacteria, but also control exudate, reduce wound pain, help protect the periwound from maceration and facilitate autolytic debridement.  This poster describes using silver polymeric dressings* to help achieve these goals in 4 patients.         

Description of past management: The prior management of all 4 patients included the use of 1% silver sulfadiazine cream, normal saline or oxychlorosene.  Further details of prior treatment plans will be presented for each patient.

Current Clinical Approach: Patients were managed during their hospital stay using silver polymeric membrane dressings, which help achieve all the identified patient needs, including reducing wound pain by inhibiting nociceptor activity. After an initial sharp debridement, silver polymeric cavity filler was inserted into the wound cavities so that all wounded surfaces were in contact with the dressing.  The exposed cavity filler was then covered with standard silver polymeric membrane dressings.  Dressings were changed when saturated, as evidenced by a change in the color of the backing of the dressings. 

Conclusion: The utilization of silver polymeric membrane dressings provided a more time efficient and cost effective method of treatment.  In addition, it allows dressing changes to be completed less frequently than the previous method(s) of care while keeping the wound clean and moist and decreasing the incidence of infection.  Case studies are on-going; however, improvement has been identified in the management of pain, demonstrating an improved quality of life.  More specific conclusions will be drawn at the close of the studies.

*PolyMem®