The Use of Silver Oxynitrate Wound Dressings in the Treatment of Chronic Wounds: A Feasibility Pilot Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a silver oxynitrate (Ag7NO11) dressing on wound healing in patients with stalled chronic wounds. METHODS A prospective pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility and effect of using silver oxynitrate dressings within an outpatient setting in Alberta, Canada. A total of 23 patients (12 women and 11 men; mean age, 66.1 ± 13.8 years) with a chronic wound that failed to heal with conventional treatment were included in the study. Wound assessments including the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool, wound-related pain, wound size, and patient quality of life (QoL) were conducted at baseline, after dressing application for 1 and 2 weeks, and during 4- and 12-week follow-ups. RESULTS Dressing application at 1 and 2 weeks improved patients’ wound healing progression as measured through significantly decreased Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool scores with a more than 10% decrease at 4- and 12-week follow-up (P < .001). Pain (P = .004), and QoL psyche subscore (P = .008) significantly improved at 4-week follow-ups, although wound area, perimeter, and QoL body and everyday subscores were not significantly affected. Wound size was not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS The silver oxynitrate dressing may improve healing progression in patients with chronic wounds, enhance patient experience by reducing wound-related pain, and improve patients’ mental well-being. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the effect of silver oxynitrate dressings on wound area, perimeter, and volume measurements.