A comparative study of 1% silver sulphadiazine (Flammazine®) versus an enzyme alginogel (Flaminal®) in the treatment of partial thickness burns

IntroductionIn the conservative treatment of burns, rapid wound healing is desirable to obtain good a esthetic and functional results. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1% Silversulfadiazine (SSD/Flammazine®) and an enzyme alginogel (Flaminal® or Flaminal® Forte) on the healing of superficial and intermediate partial thickness burns.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study comparable burn wounds treated with Flaminal® or with 1% SSD were included. Outcome parameters included: length of hospital stay, bacterial burden and time to wound closure. Significance was tested using SPSS package.Results44 wounds in the Flaminal® group, and 39 wounds in the 1% SSD group were included. Wounds treated with Flaminal® showed a significantly higher bacterial load (p = 0.024) and contained significantly more bacterial species (p = 0.010) but showed a significantly shorter healing time of 17 vs. 24 days (p < 0.0001).ConclusionA significantly shorter healing time was demonstrated in partial thickness burn wounds treated with Flaminal® versus 1% SSD, which may lead to a shorter length of hospital stay and better scar quality. The possibility of accurate burn depth assessment and the results in this study corroborate the change in treatment protocol made in the year 2000 when we switched from 1% SSD to Flaminal®.