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Assessment and Management of Wound Colonization and Infection in Pressure Ulcers

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Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population

Part of the book series: Aging Medicine ((AGME,volume 1))

Abstract

All chronic wounds are poly-microbial colonized. One aspect pressure ulcer assessment involves determining the degree of bacterial burden and distinguishing colonization from true infection. Heavy bacterial burden may delay healing of a pressure ulcer.

Systemic infection due to pressure ulceration is very uncommon. Bacteremia and sepsis due to a pressure ulcer is rare. Heavy bacterial colonization, often referred to as local infection, is more common in pressure ulcers with necrosis. The presence of heavy necrotic burden, significant exudate, and/or odor is often mistaken for true infection.

This chapter is designed to aid clinicians treating pressure ulcers with critical colonization or systemic infection. It will aid the learner to distinguish between true (systemic) infection and heavy bioburden and discuss the treatments for each condition. Local wound factors that delay healing, including the role of biofilms, will be addressed. Understanding the difference between critical wound bed colonization and true wound related infection is imperative to achieve best outcomes for wound patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Wound Care Consultant, Hospice Care of South Carolina, 2948 Seabrook Island Road, Johns Island, SC, 29455, USA

    Gregory A. Compton M.D., C.M.D.

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  1. Gregory A. Compton M.D., C.M.D.
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Correspondence to Gregory A. Compton M.D., C.M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

    David R. Thomas, MD

  2. Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care, Wound Care Consultant, Hospice Care of South Carolina, Johns Island, South Carolina, USA

    Gregory A. Compton, MD

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Compton, G.A. (2014). Assessment and Management of Wound Colonization and Infection in Pressure Ulcers. In: Thomas, MD, D., Compton, MD, G. (eds) Pressure Ulcers in the Aging Population. Aging Medicine, vol 1. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-700-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-700-6_9

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