A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 3 studies with a total of 847 subjects:
Silver-containing foam dressings did not significantly increase complete ulcer healing as compared with standard foam dressings or best local practice after up to four weeks of follow-up, although a greater reduction of ulcer size was observed with the silver-containing foam. Data on pain, patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, and costs were limited and showed no differences. Leakage occurred significantly less frequently in patients with leg ulcers and chronic wounds treated with a silver dressing than with a standard foam dressing or best local practice.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (limited study size for each comparison), by limitations in study quality (short follow-up, inadequate reporting) and by inconsistency (heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes). .
Primary/Secondary Keywords