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Ag Oxysalts, or silver oxynitrate, is a compound that is highly oxidative in order to quickly and continuously eradicate planktonic bacteria as well as bacteria within a biofilm.1 Initially available in a contact layer dressing, Ag Oxysalts were added to a carboxymethylcellulose (AgCMC)* substrate to manage exudate. In February 2017 AgCMC received FDA Clearance and pilot evaluations were initiated.
Methods:
During the pilot evaluations, clinicians used AgCMC in place of their standard antimicrobial dressings for wounds that were stalled, odorous, infected, or had a suspected biofilm. Clinical background regarding wound complexity, wound duration, secondary dressings used, and adjunctive treatment modalities (compression or total contact casts) was requested. A product evaluation form was then completed. Evaluation forms were compiled and analyzed to gain clinical insights into AgCMC’s performance and best practices.
Results:
69 evaluation forms from 9 facilities on 38 unique patients were compiled. Analysis show AgCMC:
Was easy to apply: (N:60) 53 Very easy. 12 Easy.
Was easily removed: (N:60) 51 Excellent. 5 Above average. 3 Average. 1 Poor.
Achieved expected wear times: (N:58) 45 Excellent. 6 Above average. 7 Average.
Managed Exudate: (N:59) 40 Excellent. 16 Above Average. 2 Average. Fair 1.
Managed Biofilm: (N:53) 31 Excellent. 10 Above average. 4 Average. 8 N/A
Managed Infection: (N:57) 31 Excellent. 6 Above Average. 5 Average. 15 N/A
Supported overall wound improvement: (N:57) 42 excellent, 10 above average, 4 average, 1 poor.
Performance compared to other antimicrobial dressings? (N:57) 30 Excellent. 18 Better. 8 Same. 1 Worse.
I would support the new dressing to be added to formulary: (N:55) 45 yes. 10 unsure or too early to tell.
Conclusion:
The majority of evaluations received rated the new AgCMC dressing as excellent or above average in every performance measure. Further clinical studies are warranted.