Journal "Emergency Medicine - from science to practice", issue No. 5-6 (11), 2014. Antimicrobial gel bandages "OpikUn" - a modern dressing for the treatment of wounds and burns

OpikUn™ antimicrobial gel dressings are a modern dressing for the treatment of wounds and burns.

During the local treatment of various skin lesions, it is traditional to use medicinal products in the form of such therapeutic forms as gels, ointments, creams, pastes, liniments, etc. However, with the rapid development of scientific and technological progress at this stage of development of modern medicine, there is a need to develop completely new modern dressings of multifunctional action for local therapy, which would be safe, effective and convenient to use. These requirements are met by dosage forms intended for application to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes: plasters, napkins, bandages, etc.

Dressings are used for tamponade of wounds, application of dressings after operations, dressing of wounds and burns. Their main goal is to create a reliable barrier to the penetration of microorganisms and maintain an optimal environment for the natural wound healing process. Modern dressings must provide gas exchange, remove excess moisture and wound exudate, prevent secondary infection, and ensure painless and atraumatic removal of the dressing.

One of such modern dressings of domestic production is the antimicrobial gel bandages "OpikUn"tm, manufactured by Zentex Ukraine LLC. These gel bandages are impregnated with a water-alginate solution with the addition of an antimicrobial component, which provides a stable bactericidal effect throughout the entire period of use. Bandages are intended for use as elements for fixation and application to affected parts of the body, and can also be used as non-sterile independent surgical dressings with antimicrobial action. Bandages have pronounced antimicrobial, wound healing and anti-burn properties.

Depending on the functional purpose, bandages are manufactured in the form of strips and napkins. Strip sizes: (30x5) cm, (30x10) cm, (50x7) cm, (50x10) cm, napkin sizes: (10x10) cm, (7x7) cm, (5x5) cm. Depending on the potential risk of application, the bandages belong to class IIa according to DSTU 4388.

TU 21.2-39157124002:2014 GEL ANTIMICROBIAL BANDAGES "OpikUn"tm are approved in accordance with the established procedure by the Conclusion of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise.

The products have passed technical and preclinical expertise in accredited institutions of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, clinical studies have been successfully conducted at the Main Military Medical Clinical Center of the Order of the Red Star "Main Military Clinical hospital". During clinical studies, doctors of the purulent surgery department tested the gel antimicrobial bandages "OpikUn"tm . All patients were provided with surgical and medical care on an inpatient basis. The effectiveness of gel bandages "OpikUn"tm was assessed based on the course of the postoperative (rehabilitation) period. In all cases, its favorable course was observed without the development of infectious complications. Due to the specific structure of the dressing material, contact with the wound was minimal, which contributed to faster tissue repair. When changing the bandages, patients did not notice any discomfort.

Gel antimicrobial bandages "OpikUn"tm refer to new generation products made on a gel basis. Due to the specific microstructure of the material and the presence of antibacterial properties, the manufacturer guarantees the prevention of bandages sticking to the wound, faster tissue regeneration and reduced discomfort when changing the bandage. Low toxicity of the disinfectant in gel antimicrobial bandages "OpikUn"tm with significant bactericidal activity is achieved due to the enzyme system of the human body, which leads to the degradation of the polymer, which in turn prevents its accumulation in the body.

Also, the specified dressing material was used in patients with skin damage due to mechanical and thermal injuries. Medical care was provided to all patients in a hospital setting. Thus, gel bandages “OpikUn”tm positively affect the course of the postoperative and rehabilitation period in surgical patients and can be used in medical practice of medical institutions.

When using the dressing material “OpikUn”tm , its convenience of use and patient safety in terms of preventing wound infection due to the antibacterial properties of the material were noted. Therefore, the dressing material “OpikUn”tm can be recommended for use in providing emergency medical care to patients. The data obtained during clinical trials indicate that these products meet the modern requirements of medical practice, are convenient to use, safe and effectivetive, create conditions for rapid wound healing, and therefore, insure against scars, the appearance of which is possible due to prolonged wound epithelialization when using traditional dressings.

The analysis and generalization of the obtained data indicate that the antimicrobial gel bandages "OpikUn"tmcan be used in surgical clinical institutions, specialized clinical hospitals, burn centers, emergency medical stations, dental clinics, and also for completing first aid kits. The main consumers of bandages are hospitals, burn centers and other medical institutions, as well as the pharmacy network and individual consumers. Modern dressing materials are one of the most important components of local wound treatment. Their use allows to increase the effectiveness of treatment, safety and high quality.