Effect of topical antibiotics on the prevention and management of wound infections: A meta-analysis

RETRACTION: Effect of Topical Antibiotics on the Prevention and Management of Wound Infections: A Meta-Analysis

RETRACTION

M. Zhang, H. Feng, Y. Gao, X. Gao, and Z. Ji, "Effect of Topical Antibiotics on the Prevention and Management of Wound Infections: A Meta-Analysis," International Wound Journal 20, no. 10 (2023): 4015-4022, https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.14290. The above article, published online on 10 July 2023, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Professor Keith Harding; and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Following an investigation by the publisher, all parties have concluded that this article was accepted solely on the basis of a compromised peer review process. The editors have therefore decided to retract the article. The authors disagree with the retraction.

Effect of topical gentamicin in preventing surgical site infection in elective incisional hernia repair in a randomized controlled trial

Surgical site infection (SSI) continues to be a common complication of surgery. The real benefit of using topical antibiotics for the prevention of SSI in abdominal hernia repair surgery is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of topical gentamicin in SSI prophylaxis in incisional hernia repair with mesh. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing open incisional hernia repair. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: in the gentamicin group, each layer of the abdominal wall was irrigated with gentamicin solution before wound closure, and in the saline solution group (placebo), each layer of the abdominal wall was irrigated with normal saline solution. The incidence of SSI and other surgical site complications was compared between both groups, and the presence of adverse effects with the use of topical gentamicin. Data from 146 patients were included for analysis: 74 in the gentamicin group and 72 in the saline solution group. SSI was observed in six patients (8.1%) in the gentamicin group and eight patients (11.1%) in the saline solution group, with no significant differences (p = 0.538) between both groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in the presentation of seroma, hematoma, and surgical wound dehiscence between both groups. No adverse effects were reported from topical application of gentamicin. In this clinical trial, the use of topical gentamicin in incisional hernia repair with mesh did not significantly reduce the incidence of SSI. EU Clinical Trials Register: EudraCT 2018-001860-45 (04/07/2019).

Bacterial-responsive biodegradable silver nanoclusters composite hydrogel for infected wound therapy

Skin wounds are susceptible to bacterial infections, which hinder healing and extend recovery. Herein, we designed a silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) composite hydrogel for infected wound treatment via bacterial enzymatic degradation and Ag release. Using biocompatible gelatine and polyethylene glycol as the main components, DNA-templated Ag NCs were covalently linked to a polymer network to obtain the final nanocomposite hydrogel. This hydrogel exhibited good compressive and tensile stiffness, bioadhesion and water absorption. The overexpressed bacterial enzymes protease and DNase in the infected wound were hydrolysed by the gel matrix, subsequently releasing antibacterial Ag ions. In vitro experimental results proved that the hydrogel demonstrated excellent bactericidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which are commonly implicated in clinical wound infections. Animal experiments revealed that the hydrogel considerably promoted cell proliferation and wound healing with less inflammatory responses. Thus, these results demonstrate strategies for bacterial enzyme-responsive Ag release for infected wound healing, facilitating further development of intelligent bandages.

Multifunctional antibacterial hydrogels for chronic wound management

Chronic wounds have gradually evolved into a global health challenge, comprising long-term non-healing wounds, local tissue necrosis, and even amputation in severe cases. Accordingly, chronic wounds place a considerable psychological and economic burden on patients and society. Chronic wounds have multifaceted pathogenesis involving excessive inflammation, insufficient angiogenesis, and elevated reactive oxygen species levels, with bacterial infection playing a crucial role. Hydrogels, renowned for their excellent biocompatibility, moisture retention, swelling properties, and oxygen permeability, have emerged as promising wound repair dressings. However, hydrogels with singular functions fall short of addressing the complex requirements associated with chronic wound healing. Hence, current research emphasises the development of multifunctional antibacterial hydrogels. This article reviews chronic wound characteristics and the properties and classification of antibacterial hydrogels, as well as their potential application in chronic wound management.