Procutase (R) versus 1% silver sulphadiazine in the treatment of minor burns

The purpose of this randomised comparative study was to evaluate the use of silver sulphadiazine (SSD) 1% cream (Group A) with the use of Procutase (R) (Group B) in treating burns with a TBSA <10% and a depth not greater than 2nd degree burns and thus suitable for outpatient management. The two groups were similar in age, gender, race, and extent of burn. Procutase (R) is an ionic hydrogel composed of natural hydrophilic polymers in an active ionic solution with an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1, -3 and -9 (collagenase/gelatinase). Subjects were seen in follow-up biweekly, and wounds of patients in SSD group were compared with those of Procutase (R) group for healing time, pain score at dressing change, compliance with therapy and complication rate. The result of this study showed that Procutase (R) treated patients had statistically significantly less pain and shorter wound healing time. Procutase (R) can be used successfully in patients with burns that do not require hospital admission. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.