Biobrane (R) improves wound healing in burned children without increased risk of infection

A synthetic bilaminar membrane used as a skin substitute (Biobrane(R)) has been shown to decrease pain and hospitalization in superficial second-degre e burns. Despite these benefits, it has not been utilized universally, part icularly in young children, due to a perceived increase in related infectio ns. We propose that when this synthetic membrane is applied to superficial scald burns <25% of the total body surface area (TBSA), decreased healing t imes are expected without increased risk of infection. Between 1994-1999, 8 9 children treated within 48 h after receiving superficial partial thicknes s scald burns covering 5-25% TBSA with no indication of infection were seen at our hospital. Forty-one were assigned randomly to receive treatment wit h the skin substitute Biobrane and 48 to receive conservative treatment wit h topical antimicrobials and dressing changes. Comparisons of treatment wer e made between groups for length of hospitalization, wound healing times, a nd infectious complications. Children treated with Biobrane or topical anti microbials were similar in age, race, sex, %TBSA burned, and location of bu rn. Those receiving Biobrane had shorter hospitalizations and healing times , which was significant for both infants and toddlers and older children. T reatment groups were not different in the use of systemic antibiotics or re admissions for infectious complications. Biobrane was removed in 5.9% of ca ses for non-adherence. The application of Biobrane within 48 h of superfici al burns provides for shorter hospitalizations and faster healing times in children of all ages without increased risk of infection.