Lal S, Barrow RE, Wolf SE, Chinkes DL, Hart DW, Heggers JP, Herndon DN, et al.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.). Date of publication 2000 Sep 1;volume 14(3):314-8; discussion 318-9.
1. Shock. 2000 Sep;14(3):314-8; discussion 318-9.
Biobrane improves wound healing in burned children without increased risk of
infection.
Lal S(1), Barrow RE, Wolf SE, Chinkes DL, Hart DW, Heggers JP, Herndon DN.
Author information:
(1)Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, and Shriners Burns
Hospital, Galveston 77550, USA.
A synthetic bilaminar membrane used as a skin substitute (Biobrane) has been
shown to decrease pain and hospitalization in superficial second-degree burns.
Despite these benefits, it has not been utilized universally, particularly in
young children, due to a perceived increase in related infections. We propose
that when this synthetic membrane is applied to superficial scald burns <25% of
the total body surface area (TBSA), decreased healing times are expected without
increased risk of infection. Between 1994-1999, 89 children treated within 48 h
after receiving superficial partial thickness scald burns covering 5-25% TBSA
with no indication of infection were seen at our hospital. Forty-one were
assigned randomly to receive treatment with the skin substitute Biobrane and 48
to receive conservative treatment with topical antimicrobials and dressing
changes. Comparisons of treatment were made between groups for length of
hospitalization, wound healing times, and infectious complications. Children
treated with Biobrane or topical antimicrobials were similar in age, race, sex,
%TBSA burned, and location of burn. Those receiving Biobrane had shorter
hospitalizations and healing times, which was significant for both infants and
toddlers and older children. Treatment groups were not different in the use of
systemic antibiotics or readmissions for infectious complications. Biobrane was
removed in 5.9% of cases for non-adherence. The application of Biobrane within 48
h of superficial burns provides for shorter hospitalizations and faster healing
times in children of all ages without increased risk of infection.
PMID: 11028549 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
