Octylcyanoacrylate versus polyurethane for treatment of burns in swine: a randomized trial

In order to determine whether the enhanced reepithelialization of second-de gree burns treated with octylcyanoacrylate (OCA) was due to its occlusive n ature we compared reepithelialization (REP) and infection rates of second d egree burns treated with OCA and polyurethane film (Tegaderm) in swine. For ty-four standardized partial thickness burns were created by applying an al uminum bar preheated to 80 degrees C to the backs of pigs for 20 s and rand omly treated with OCA or Tegaderm. Full thickness biopsies were taken at 7, 10 and 14 days for blinded histopathological evaluation of rates of infect ion and reepithelialization. T-tests and chi(2) tests were used for group c omparisons. There were no between group difference in the rates of reepithe lialization and infection. All wounds were reepithelialized by day 14 and t here were no infections in either group. We conclude that treatment of part ial thickness burns with OCA spray or Tegaderm results in similar rates of reepithelialization and infection, suggesting that the beneficial effects o f OCA on reepithelialization are due to its occlusive nature. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.