Background
Major burns in children are associated with high mortality and morbidity in any developing countries. Excision within 24–48 h after burn is associated with decreased infection, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and mortality. The authors present a standardized method for homograft to evaluate whether the use of the homograft as a biological dressing is beneficial compared with standard topical treatment.
Patients and methods
Children aged 14 years with major partial thickness burn of 20% total body surface area of burn (TBSA) or more were included in this study. They were divided into two groups to be managed with either homograft (group A) (=20) or treated with topical antimicrobial twice daily applications (silver sulfadiazine) (group B) (=23). The two groups were compared.
Results
Treatment of major second-degree burns with homograft in pediatrics corrected anemia and hypoalbuminemia and decreased pain during the dressing changes. There was a significantly decrease in dressing changes in group A than in group B (<0.05). Moreover, the length of stay in hospital reduced (<0.01) in group A. The use of homograft decreased the risk of infection. Time of total healing, and the burn scar contracture development was different between the two groups.
Conclusion
Early excision of partial thickness burn and coverage with homograft is beneficial in children compared with the standard topical therapy.