Surgery>>>>>Burns
Question 9#

Which of the following is FALSE regarding silver sulfadiazine?

A. Used as prophylaxis against burn wound infections with a wide range of antimicrobial activity
B. Safe to use on full and partial thickness burn wounds, as well as skin grafts
C. Has limited systemic absorption
D. May inhibit epithelial migration in partial thickness wound healing

Correct Answer is B

Comment:

Silver sulfadiazine is one of the most widely used in clinical practice. Silver sulfadiazine has a wide range of antimicrobial activity, primarily as prophylaxis against burn wound infections rather than treatment of existing infections. It has the added benefits of being inexpensive and easily applied, and has soothing qualities. It is not significantly absorbed systemically and thus has minimal metabolic derangements. Silver sulfadiazine has a reputation for causing neutropenia, but this association is more likely due to neutrophil margination from the inflammatory response. True allergic reactions to the sulfa component of silver sulfadiazine are rare, and at-risk patients can have a small test patch applied to identify a burning sensation or rash. Silver sulfadiazine destroys skin grafts and is contraindicated on burns or donor sites in proximity to newly grafted areas. Also, silver sulfadiazine may retard epithelial migration in healing partial thickness wounds.