Role of topical heparin in the management of burns: experience in a district government hospital of Karnataka in South India

Abstract

Aim: Heparin is a multifaceted compound with uses not only as an anticoagulant, but also as an anti-infammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-histaminic, anti-serotonin, anti-proteolytic and neoangiogenic agent. The aim of the study was to study the effect of topical heparin in the management of second-degree burns.

Methods: Between December 2005 and January 2007, 60 consecutive patients, aged 10-60 years, with frst-and second-degree thermal injuries ranging from 10% to 60%, were randomly enrolled in the study divided into a control group (C) and a heparin group (H) of 30 patients each.

Results: Patients treated with topical heparin experienced statistically signifcant improved pain relief, faster healing, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. The majority of the patients admitted were in an economically productive age group and were predominantly female. The distribution between the two groups according to age, type of burns and extent of burns was not statistically different.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the effcacy of topical heparin in the treatment of frst- and second-degree burns.

Keywords

Benefts / burns / cost / epidemiology / heparin

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