Gentamicin ointment effect on hard-to-heal wounds: a case series.

Objective: The presence of microorganisms in a wound may lead to the development of pathologically extensive inflammation, and either delay or prevent the healing of hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds. The aim of this case series is to explore the use of topical gentamicin ointment, an aminoglycoside with activity against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, as an option to address hard-to-heal wounds.

Method: We present a retrospective case series of patients with hard-to-heal wounds of varying pathophysiologies treated with topical gentamicin.

Results: Regardless of the inciting aetiology, all 10 of the presented patients responded to topical gentamicin as evidenced by resolution of much of the inflammation and reduction in wound size or complete wound closure.

Conclusion: By helping to clear the bacteria-induced biofilm that may be present on a hard-to-heal wound, gentamicin may allow the wound healing process to continue past the inflammatory phase, and onto proliferation, remodelling and eventual closure.