Human Amniotic Membrane Dressing: an Excellent Method for Outpatient Management of Burn Wounds

Abstract

Background: Burns are among the most common traumas in developing countries, which consume large amounts of medical resources. It is important to find an appropriate material for dressing of burn wounds that improves healing and is readily available, easily applicable, and economical. Methods: In a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial from March to October 2006, 211 patients with less than 20% burn were enrolled into two groups. The first group contained 104 patients with average burn of 11.90± 3.80% of total body surface area (TBSA) for whom amnion dressing was used. The second group composed of 107 patients with average burn of 12.30± 4.14% of TBSA treated with routine silver sulfadiazine dressing. Results: Amniotic membrane usage was accompanied by acceleration in wound healing, less need for skin graft, and less pain. The mean healing time in superficial parts of burn wounds in the amnion group was significantly shorter than the control group (9.50±2.13 v 14.30±2.60 days; P value < 0.01). The extent of the wound with granulation tissue which needed skin graft was less in the amnion group (2.10 ± 2.21% v 4.2 0±1.44%; P value < 0.01). Conclusion: Widespread use of amniotic membrane dressing is recommended for limited burn wound management.