Benzocaine 1% / Triclosan 0.2% cream

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a common and serious complication of all surgical interventions. Microorganisms are able to colonise sutures that are implanted in the skin, which is a causative factor of SSIs. Triclosan-coated sutures are antibacterial sutures aimed at reducing SSIs. Our objective is to update the existing literature by systematically reviewing available evidence to assess the effectiveness of triclosan-coated sutures in the prevention of SSIs. METHODS: A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED (Allied and complementary medicine database) and CENTRAL was performed to identify full text randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on 31 May 2019. INTERVENTION: Triclosan-coated sutures versus non-triclosan-coated sutures. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Our primary outcome was the development of SSIs at 30 days postoperatively. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-five RCTs were included involving 11 957 participants. Triclosan-coated sutures were used in 6008 participants and non triclosan-coated sutures were used in 5949. Triclosan-coated sutures significantly reduced the risk of SSIs at 30 days (relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.82). Further sensitivity analysis demonstrated that triclosan-coated sutures significantly reduced the risk of SSIs in both clean and contaminated surgery. CONCLUSION: Triclosan-coated sutures have been shown to significantly reduced the risk of SSIs when compared with standard sutures. This is in agreement with previous work in this area. This study represented the largest review to date in this area. This moderate quality evidence recommends the use of triclosan-coated sutures in order to reduce the risk of SSIs particularly in clean and contaminated surgical procedures. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42014014856.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can result in alterations of the female reproductive system, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge about the association of EDCs (bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan) with PCOS. We conducted an electronic literature search using PubMed for studies published between January 2007 and October 2022 on EDCs related to PCOS, and evaluated the association of PCOS with bisphenols, parabens and triclosan in 15 articles. Most studies revealed significantly higher plasma, urinary or follicular fluid levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in women with PCOS, and some showed a positive correlation of BPA with insulin resistance, polycystic morphology on ultrasound, hepatic steatosis, bilirubin levels, as well as free androgen index, androstenedione and testosterone serum levels, and markers of low-grade chronic inflammation. There was a negative correlation of BPA with markers of ovarian reserve, sex hormone binding globulin and vitamin D-binding protein. Parabens and triclosan have been studied in only one study each, with no significant associations with PCOS observed. Our review revealed an association of BPA with PCOS and negative effects of BPA on human ovaries; more research is needed to assess the potential associations of parabens and triclosan with PCOS.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Triclosan (TCS) is a synthetic, chlorinated phenolic antimicrobial agent commonly used in commercial and healthcare products. Items made with TCS include soaps, deodorants, shampoos, cosmetics, textiles, plastics, surgical sutures, and prosthetics. A wealth of information obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated the therapeutic effects of TCS, particularly against inflammatory skin conditions. Nevertheless, extensive investigations on the molecular aspects of TCS action have identified numerous adversaries associated with the disinfectant including oxidative injury and influence of physiological lifespan and longevity. This review presents a summary of the biochemical alterations pertaining to TCS exposure, with special emphasis on the diverse molecular pathways responsive to TCS that have been elucidated during the present decade.

Abstract licence: CC BY

toothpaste, containing 10 mM TCS, is effective in controlling biofilm formation and maintaining gingival health. Given its broad usage, TCS is present ubiquitously in the environment. Given its strong lipophilicity and accumulation ability in organisms, it is potentially harmful to biohealth. Several reports suggest the toxicity of this compound, which is inserted in the class of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In September 2016, TCS was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union in soap products. Despite these problems, its application in personal care products within certain limits is still allowed. Today, it is still unclear whether TCS is truly toxic to mammals and the adverse effects of continuous, long-term, and low concentration exposure remain unknown. Indeed, some recent reports suggest the use of TCS as a repositioned drug for cancer treatment and cutaneous leishmaniasis. In this scenario it is necessary to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of TCS, to understand whether its use is advisable or not. This review intends to highlight the pros and cons that are associated with the use of TCS in humans.

Abstract licence: CC BY