| Summary: | Conclusions Silver-releasing dressings are used to treat chronic (hard-to-heal) wounds, i.e., wounds that do not heal within the time expected. Common causes of chronic wounds include poor blood circulation or infection in the wound. Silver-containing dressings release silver ions intended to reduce the amount of bacteria in the wound and thereby promote healing. The scientific evidence is insufficient to determine whether silver dressings differ from dressings without silver in terms of effects on the percentage of healed wounds, wound size, pain, quality of life, percentage of infections, and use of antibiotics in treating chronic wounds. The reason is that too few studies of sufficient quality are available. The studies reviewed have not identified serious side effects or complications related to silver dressings, but they were not designed to study this specifically. The scientific evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions on the cost-effectiveness of silver dressings since too few studies are available. No controlled studies have investigated the effects of silver dressings on bacteria in chronic wounds. Well-designed studies are required to determine the effects of silver dressings and the appropriate indications for treating chronic wounds. It is important to consider the risk for development of bacteria that are resistant against antibiotics and the risks for negative environmental effects from using silver dressings. Hence, until further notice, silver dressings should be used only within the framework of controlled trials, or in other systematic follow ups and compilations of their effects
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