Your Power to Heal

Antimicrobial Resistance: Let’s be honest, we’re too dependent on antibiotics

Antibiotics have transformed the work of medical professionals and saved millions of lives. However, we are now racing towards a post-antibiotic era where common infections and minor injuries could once again kill. In order to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, a significant decrease in antibiotic use in wound care is needed.1

Image showing the following text: 30% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary

At least 30% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary 2

The overuse of antibiotics in unsuitable cases has led to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with the following current and predicted outcomes:

  • Already, an estimated 700,000 die each year due to AMR and it is seen as one of the biggest threats to global health.3,4
  • By 2050, it is predicted that AMR will be responsible for 10 million annual deaths worldwide.5
Image showing a leg with an infected wound.

Respond to AMR with Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS)

Infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria are harder to treat and lead to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. By controlling the microbes, infections can be prevented and thus reduce the need for antibiotics.6

AMS initiatives to educate healthcare workers and control the prescribing and targeting of antibiotics can reduce the likelihood of AMR. To be truly effective, action must be taken at every level in wound care, from specialist wound care clinics to home care.

Image showing a Cutimed® Sorbact® dressing.

Sorbact® Technology dressings can form a valuable part of your AMS strategy

Based on natural processes and physical interactions, Cutimed Sorbact removes bacteria, irreversibly binding them to its surface to reduce bioburden and support wound healing. By this mode of action, Sorbact Technology dressings may lower the use of antibiotics and contribute to the management and prevention of wound infection.7

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References

  1. Lipsky BA et al. Antimicrobial stewardship in wound care: a Position Paper from the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and European Wound Management Association. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2016;71:3026-3035. Read more
  2. Fleming-Dutra K et al. Prevalence of Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescriptions Among US Ambulatory Care Visits, 2010-2011. JAMA. 2016;315:1864-1873. Read more
  3. Stop antimicrobial resistance now. World Health Organization. 2016; accessed on December 8, 2022. Read more
  4. Antibiotic resistance. World Health Organization. 2020; accessed on December 8, 2022. Read more
  5. O’Neill J. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: Final report and recommendations. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. 2016. Read more
  6. Swanson T, et al. Wound infection in clinical practice. Wounds Int. 2016. Read more
  7. Chadwick P & Ousey K. Bacterial-binding dressings in the management of wound healing and infection prevention: a narrative review. J Wound Care. 2019;28:370-382. Read more