A Swiss team from Lausanne has developed a biological dressing that would prevent infections, the main cause of death in severe burns.
The main cause of death from severe burns is no longer the shock induced by the burn, but infections which sometimes occur several months after the accident. The Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL), in Switzerland, has been working for several years on these risks with the Lausanne hospital (CHUV). They reveal the results the use of a new biologic anti-infective dressing that could reduce infection-related mortality.
The bandage is an improvement of a bandage that has existed for ten years, which is in the form of collagen gauze. Researchers had the idea of adding progenitor cells to its surface, which have a high multiplication capacity, and which promote healing.
Molecules that destroy bacteria
To counter infections, the dressing also contains dendrimers, molecules in the shape of tree branches capable of destroying bacteria.
Some dendrimers will migrate around the dressing to sanitize the protected area, and others will stay. “Bacteria find an environment favorable to their proliferation in dressings. It is therefore necessary that certain dendrimers remain inside to annihilate the intruders ”, specifies Dominique Pioletti, director of the biomechanics in orthopedics laboratory at EPFL.
The management of severe burns is extremely delicate. Without the skin as a natural barrier, these patients have weakened immune systems and become easy targets for bacteria.
Less antibiotics, less antibiotic resistance
In particular, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for most deaths, and is resistant to most antibiotics. “It is not possible to prescribe antibiotics to all patients as a preventive measure, for fear of making the bacteria resistant”, deplores Lee Ann Laurent-Applegate, director of the Regenerative Therapy Unit at the CHUV.
“With the new bandages, it will no longer be a question of treating the infection, but of preventing it from occurring. We are tackling the problem upstream, ”she continues. A test phase is still necessary before distributing the dressing in healthcare establishments.
Swiss researchers have developed a biological dressing that would prevent infections, the main cause of death in severe burns.
Posted by Why doctor on Sunday February 28, 2016
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