Treatment of pressure sores accompanied by infection in outpatients with spinal cord injury
Seki, M.; Takahashi, H.; Chino, N.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 27 Suppl. 3: 756-759
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 11190341 Document Number: 519631
The occurrence of infection at pressure sore sites due to multiple drug resistant microbes not only delays healing at the time of infection, but it can become a major factor preventing an acceptable level of ADL (activities of daily living) in the home. We studied a method for treating infection in pressure sores in spinal cord injury patients living at home who were commuting to our hospital for treatment. After establishing drug sensitivity in all patients, we instructed patients and their families how to apply dressings using 2% chloramphenicol (CP) ointment, and then studied the status regarding infection and the course of the pressure sores. Considerable Proteus vulgaris, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and methicillia resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were detected in cultures from all patients. After the start of treatment at home, the casual microbes disappeared over time, and improvement was seen, including according to the Shea classification, with time from the infection. This was thought to be due to a decrease in the frequency of use of CP at the clinic and a subsequent increase in sensitivity. It was inferred from these results that the local administration of antibacterial CP ointment in the home at the time of infection is effective against pressure sores.