Business
Wound Expert Panel Report
Wound Expert Panel Report.
About this update from Smith & Nephew Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \nRNS Number : 5888S Smith & Nephew Plc 04 October 2017 \n\nWound Expert Panel* reports biofilms, which delay wound healing, are far more prevalent than previously understood, and publishes new consensus on detection and treatment best practice\n \n4 October 2017\n \nSmith & Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology business, welcomes the recent publication of the Wound Biofilm Expert Panel's Consensus guidelines for the identification and treatment of biofilms in chronic non-healing wounds.1 This paper is one of the first comprehensive insights into the detection and treatment of wound biofilm.\n \nBiofilms are clusters of bacteria embedded in a protective matrix, 2 their presence in chronic wounds are linked to delayed healing.3,4 Moreover, biofilms provide a complex treatment challenge to wound care clinicians as they are tolerant to antimicrobial treatments5-7 and the host immune response.8,9\n \nAt least 78% of chronic wounds have been found to contain biofilm,10 a figure far in excess of previously understood levels. \n \nThe Expert Panel was formed in late 2015 to improve scientific understanding of biofilms and to recommend improved clinical practice. Comprising of ten global leading experts from both scientific and clinical backgrounds, the Expert Panel's Consensus guidelines for the identification and treatment of biofilms in chronic non-healing wounds have now been published in the eminent journal Wound Repair and Regeneration journal. \n \nProfessor Gregory Schultz, Director of the Institute for Wound Research at the University of Florida and Chair of the panel commented: \"Although four in five chronic wounds contain biofilm, they are often not identified, resulting in ineffective treatment. This document will have a tremendous impact helping both researchers and clinicians better understand biofilms, how to treat them and how to convert chronic wounds to healing wounds.\"\n \n\"Biofilm is a hot topic in wound care, there was a need for a consensus to bring clarity and guidance to healthcare professionals working to restore the quality of life of millions of patients around the world with non-healing chronic wounds,\" said Andy Weymann, Chief Medical Officer of Smith & Nephew. \"Smith & Nephew is proud to support healt...