Mebo Ointment in the Treatment of Burn Wounds: a Multicenter Study

One hundred and thirty-eight (138) patients, with five hundred and sixty-six (566) different burn sites with different degrees, severity and locations, were enrolled to a multicenter clinical trial at 25 study centers. The goal of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of MEBO (Moist Exposed Burn Ointment) in the treatment of burn wound. Various parameters were studied including: (i) healing time, (ii) need for pain killers, (iii) consumption of i. v. Fluids, (iv) use of systemic antibiotics and (v) aesthetic appearance. There was remarkable decrease in the healing time and most patients either did not need any pain killer or were relieved with only mild analgesics, except in few cases of deep second degree and third degree burns. A decrease in the volume of i. v. fluids needed was also reported. Only 19% of cases developed clinical infection, especially in those who were not treated with MEBO immediately post burn. Even though systemic antibiotic treatment was prophylactically implemented in most cases as a routine measure, 32 cases did not receive any antibiotic prophylaxis with MEBO and yet did not develop any infection. The aesthetic appearance reported was very acceptable. This treatment modality was not associated with any side effects, and patient discomfort during application and change was negligible. Thus, MEBO treatment was associated with excellent and relatively faster healing, low incidence of wound infection, and excellent patient compliance.