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PEG site infections: a novel use for Actisorb Silver 220
1Wound Care Services, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster.
Abstract:
Any breach in the integrity of the skin, such as occurs in wounds and incisions, and intravascular catheters, can act as a portal for the ingress of microorganisms and thereby predispose the patient to infection. The infection, if unchecked, can put the patient at risk of bacteraemia. We have reviewed the care of percutaneous enterostomal gastrostomy (PEG) sites in our trust hospital and in the local community and have implemented practice guidelines to reduce infection risks. These include protocols for skin care around PEG sites, and the use of an antibacterial dressing - Actisorb Silver 220 - to manage local colonization. The preliminary results of this exercise indicate that patient comfort can be improved, hypergranulation reduced, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection eradicated.
Insights
Implementing new guidelines and antibacterial dressings for percutaneous enterostomal gastrostomy (PEG) sites significantly reduced infection risks. Preliminary results show improved patient comfort and eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Management
- Wound Care
Background:
- Breaches in skin integrity, including from medical devices like percutaneous enterostomal gastrostomy (PEG) tubes, serve as entry points for microorganisms, increasing infection risk.
- Uncontrolled infections can progress to serious conditions such as bacteremia.
- Effective management of PEG sites is crucial for preventing patient infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and enhance the care protocols for percutaneous enterostomal gastrostomy (PEG) sites.
- To implement practice guidelines aimed at reducing infection risks associated with PEG sites.
- To evaluate the impact of new protocols and antibacterial dressings on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a review of percutaneous enterostomal gastrostomy (PEG) site care within a hospital trust and community settings.
- Developed and implemented new practice guidelines for PEG site skin care.
- Utilized an antibacterial dressing, Actisorb Silver 220, to manage local microbial colonization.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings indicate an improvement in patient comfort levels.
- A reduction in hypergranulation tissue was observed.
- Successful eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Revised care protocols and the use of Actisorb Silver 220 dressings are effective in reducing infection risks at PEG sites.
- These interventions can lead to improved patient comfort and resolution of specific complications like hypergranulation and MRSA.
- The implemented guidelines demonstrate a promising approach to managing PEG site integrity and preventing associated infections.