Moist Exposed Burn Therapy: Evaluation of the Epithelial Repair Process (an Experimental Model)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUMMARY. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the efficacy of moist exposed bum ointment (MEBO) on epithelial tissue repair and to assess the debriding effect of partial-thickness bum wounds, compared with other local agents commonly used. Eighty bum wounds on ten Ladrace-Pietrenne youngi pigs were induced by CO2 laser and the following parameters were evaluated: alterations of the bum wound area using planimetry; physical examination including necrosis, exudation, oedema, and clinical appearance; pH, transepidermal water loss, and moisture of the wound surface; and histological evaluation of bum depth and epithelial repair. Three different local agents (MEBO, povidone iodine, and silver sulphadiazine) were applied twice daily, except in the control group wounds. Evaluation and measurement were performed on days 2, 4, 6, and 8. The following results were found: the measurement of water loss from the wound surface is an objective non-invasive procedure to assess wound healing; MEBO appears to significantly accelerate the healing process in partial-thickness burns, compared with the other local agents; measurement of wound moisture may give additional information regarding the wound healing process; MEBO creates a moisturizing environment for a longer period, which enhances wound healing compared with other substances; planimetry is an efficient method to calculate the burn area and the progress of healing in full-thickness bum wounds only; and there is no relation between pH and wound healing. Introduction Many drugs or "medical agents" have been applied to improve and accelerate the wound healing process. The variety of agents used led Ambroise Pare (1510-1590) to postulate that a surgeon's goal in wound management was to create an environment where the healing process could proceed in optimal fashion, and he demonstrated the beneficial effect of the application of hot oil to fresh open wounds. Since then and over the centuries many publications have pointed out that a moist environment enhances epithelialization in the wound healing process. Controlled experimental and clinical data have in recent times supported the suggestion that a moist environment enhances wound healing in the form of an occlusive dressing compared with a dry environment. Xu Rongxiang' has developed the "moist exposed bum therapy" a therapeutic procedure based on the moist environment of the wound, using an ointment that enhances epithelial repair, and in particular that of