Antimicrobial agents Resources

11 February 2020
Active diabetic foot disease relates to problems associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), infection and/or neuropathy. Diabetes still remains one of the main causes of non-traumatic limb amputation and premature death, both of which may be preventable (Prompers et al, 2007; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2019). The purpose of this article is to discuss three of the clinical emergencies seen in the diabetic foot, namely PAD, infection and Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (Charcot foot). The aim is to provide a refresher of diabetes and the associated complications and to enhance knowledge and clinical skills in the management of diabetic foot disease. A case report is used to provide narrative to the potential complexity seen within the process.
07 November 2018

Evidence suggests that biofilm is present in at least 78% of nonhealing wounds, and it is widely accepted that its presence may be a cause for delayed healing in some patients. As the majority of chronic wounds are managed in a community setting, it is important that clinicians have an understanding of what biofilm is, how to identify its presence in the wound, and how to carry out biofilm-based wound care (BBWC). AQUACEL® Ag+ Extra™ is a unique dressing that has been specifically designed to manage biofilm. It combines antimicrobial and anti-biofilm components, which work in synergy to successfully disrupt biofilm, expose microorganisms to the broadspectrum antimicrobial activity of ionic silver in chronic wounds and to help prevent biofilm re-formation, thus making it worthy of inclusion in the biofilm care pathway.