Antibiotic Levels in Burn wound Infection (ABLE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do burn wounds diagnosed with infection receive therapeutic doses of antibiotics, and do parameters of the local wound environment influence antibiotic activity?
IRAS ID
198139
Contact name
Simon P Booth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
When someone is burnt they are at risk of developing infection. Infection leads to an increase in pain and can stop wounds from healing. Antibiotics are the main treatment but sometimes they do not work. All adults are given the same dose of antibiotic. Previous studies have shown that in large burn injuries larger doses must be given to achieve acceptable levels in the blood. Whilst in smaller injuries there are several reasons why Antibiotics may not be effective. By the nature of the injury, blood vessels are damaged which may prevent affective treatment. When bacteria are exposed to below acceptable levels of antibiotics, bacterial resistance occurs. Reducing antibiotic resistance has been made a key target for the NHS) and global policy on health
This study will examine the levels of antibiotic found in the blood and wounds of burn patients treated for wound infection. Participants will give consent and then a baseline blood test, wound swab and swab of skin adjacent to the wound will be taken before commencing antibiotics. At each dressing change 2 -3 days apart we will repeat the blood test, skin and wound swab. Participants will be in the study for 7 days and will give a total of 4 blood samples, 4 skin swabs and 4 wound fluid samples. Clinical photos will be taken at each dressing change and clinical data such as wound pH (how acid or alkali the wound is), healing time and efficacy of antibiotic therapy will be recorded.
Blood and wound swabs will be analysed for antibiotic levels whilst skin swabs and wound swabs will be analysed to compare the differences in micro organisms in the different environments.
A total of 57 patients will be recruited from the regional burn service over 12 months from the start of the study.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0953
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion