Human amniotic membrane as a versatile biological dressing--a preliminary report.

The subject of human amniotic membrane as a biological dressing is reviewed and experience of four wounds, three from acute burns and one from trauma is presented. Freeze dried amniotic membrane was used as the material for application next to the wound after the usual surgical cleansing. This process was repeated daily or on alternate days depending on the individual response. Beneficial effects noted included red uction of pain, promotion of healthy granulation and increased tendency of graft take in acute burns. In the chronic post-traumatic ulcer the treatment was not as effective in reduction of bacterial counts as a topical antibiotic (soframycin) used in an adjacent area of the same wound, Its trial as a biological dressing in burns merits consideration in view of this preliminary trial (JPMA 37:290, 1987).