The efficacy of collagen based dressings for treatment of scald burns in under 5 years paediatric population: a non-comparative, prospective single centre experience

Abstract

Background: One of the major challenges faced worldwide is management of burn wounds, particularly among the pediatric population. Immense research is going on to overcome the challenges associated with survival of these patients and healing of burnt areas. Newer dressing materials are being developed and one of them is collagen. The collagen is biocompatible. The aim was to achieve earlier and better healing of wounds, and to obviate the need for frequent change of dressings; which besides being painful, is quite troublesome in pediatric population.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 38 patients of scald burns under-5 years of age, from October 2016 till July 2017. After thorough cleaning of burn wounds and thorough rinsing of collagen sheets with normal saline, the wounds were covered with sheets of collagen. Paraffin with chlorhexidine impregnated gauze dressing was applied over the sheet of collagen followed by dry gauze, cotton and bandage application. First dressing was opened after 5 days and then after 3 to 4 days.Results: The wounds healed in 10 to 14 days in most of them. Infection developed in one case, warranting removal of collagen sheet. None developed any adverse reaction to the application of collagen dressing.Conclusions: We conclude that collagen based dressing is a very good modality of treatment for the burn wounds with advantages of being cost effective, requiring lesser number of dressings and blood transfusions, and shorter duration of hospital stay.