Schwarze H, Küntscher M, Uhlig C, Hierlemann H, Prantl L, Ottomann C, Hartmann B, et al.
Annals of plastic surgery. Date of publication 2008 Feb 1;volume 60(2):181-5.
1. Ann Plast Surg. 2008 Feb;60(2):181-5. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e318056bbf6.
Suprathel, a new skin substitute, in the management of partial-thickness burn
wounds: results of a clinical study.
Schwarze H(1), Küntscher M, Uhlig C, Hierlemann H, Prantl L, Ottomann C, Hartmann
B.
Author information:
(1)Schwerbrandverletztenzentrum mit Plastischer Chirurgie, Berlin, Germany.
schwarzemd@yahoo.com
Erratum in
Ann Plast Surg. 2008 Apr;60(4):415.
OBJECTIVE: A prospective, randomized, bicentric, nonblinded, clinical study was
conducted to evaluate the impact on wound healing of Suprathel in
partial-thickness burn injuries. Suprathel represents an absorbable, synthetic
wound dressing with properties of natural epithelium.
METHODS: Thirty patients suffering from second-degree burn injuries were included
in the study, with a mean of age 40.4 years old. Burn injuries were randomly
selected, partly treated with Omiderm and partly treated with Suprathel. The
first gauze change was applied the fifth day postoperatively, followed by regular
wound inspection until complete reepithelization. The study focused on patient
pain score, healing time, analysis of wound bed, ease of care, and treatment
costs.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 materials tested
regarding healing time and reepithelization. There was a significant lower pain
score for patients treated with Suprathel (P = 0.0072). Suprathel becomes
transparent when applied, thus allowing close monitoring of wound healing. In
contrast to Omiderm, Suprathel shows better attachment and adherence to wounds.
During the course of healing, it detaches smoothly, without damaging the
reepithelized wound surface. Moreover, it reduces the frequency of dressing
changes required. Ease of care of Suprathel has been rated outstanding by
patients and healthcare professionals. When interviewed, patients reported
Suprathel as their treatment preference. As dressing material, Omiderm is more
cost-effective than Suprathel.
CONCLUSION: Suprathel represents a reliable epidermal skin substitute, with a
good impact on wound healing and pain reduction in partial-thickness burn
injuries. Although it is less cost-effective than Omiderm, the significant
increase of patient comfort makes this material represent a reliable and solid
treatment alternative when dealing with partial-thickness burn injuries. Further
studies with this synthetic dressing on other types of wounds are warranted.
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e318056bbf6
PMID: 18216512 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
