Porcine xenograft treatment of superficial partial-thickness burns in paediatric patients

Abstract

Objective: Porcine xenograft (PX) has become a valuable part of the armamentarium of treatment options in a US paediatric burn centre. The use in adult patients has been well described in the burn literature, but there is minimal literature describing its use in children. The objective of this article is to describe a three-years' experience with PX use in paediatric burns. Method: A retrospective medical record review of patients with superficial partial-thickness burns treated with PX admitted to a paediatric burn centre between February 2009 and November 2012. Results: A total of 164 patients met the inclusion criteria. Burn total body surface area (TBSA) ranged from 0.5% to 28%. After the placement of PX, significant decreases were seen in the need for narcotic analgesics and burn dressing changes. Only four of 164 patients (2.4%) developed infections, although only one of these infections was at the site of the xenograft. Conclusion: PX appears to reduce pain and eliminate the need for procedural intravenous sedation in many patients. This can make burn wound care more child-friendly and shorten hospital length of stay. The complication rate is low and manageable. The authors believe that PX is an effective and safe treatment for superficial partial-thickness burns in children. Declaration of interest: P. M.Glat, is a paid consultant and speaker for Mölnlycke Health Care, the manufacturer of EZ Derm.