Publication:

Ascorbic acid irrigation during debridement decreased the colony count of Staphylococcus aureus and interleukin-6 blood count in grade ii open fracture of long bones

Background Infection in open fractures is still a problem that cannot be fully managed. Various types of studies have been conducted to find an effective and efficient solution to wash open fracture wounds. This study compared the effectiveness of ascorbic acid irrigation in reduction of Staphylococcus aureus colony and interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum level as systemic inflammation marker in debridement procedure of grade II Gustilo-Anderson open fracture of long bones.

Methods This study was an experimental study with pre-post-test control group design. This study included 24 subjects aged 15-75 years old with Gustillo-Anderson type II open fractures which were divided into two groups. The treatment group had additional irrigation by using 10 mg/ml ascorbic acid solution during debridement, whereas the control group had debridement only without irrigation with ascorbic acid. The culture and colony count of Staphylococcus aureus and IL-6 serum level was obtained and measured before and after the treatment in both groups. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon test) was performed to compare the difference of the two parameters (Δ colony count and Δ IL-6) before and after the treatment.

Results There were no significant difference in Δ colony count of Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.308) and ΔIL-6 serum level (p=0.239) between the control group and treatment group.

Conclusions Ascorbic acid irrigation was not proved to decrease the colony count of Staphylococcus aureus and IL-6 serum level in grade II open fracture of long bones.