Topical Use of Heparin and Silver Sulfadiazine Cream in the Treatment of Second Degree Burn in Children: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Burn is a complex disease process, a trauma to physique as well as psyche. Visible disfigurement caused by burns translates into an altered pattern of socialization which in turn can have serious psychological ramifications. Patients with burns require immediate specialized care in order to minimize morbidity and mortality. So, the important part of the management of burns is wound management. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of topical heparin and silver sulfadiazine cream in burn wound management. Methods: Prospective comparative interventional study was carried out at the Department of Burn & Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Paedicatric Surgery, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute. A total 42 patients were included in this study after fulfilment of all selection criteria during the study period. Patients were randomly selected into two groups. In group A (n=21) patients were treated with topical heparin and in group B (n=21) patients were treated with silver sulfadiazine cream. Results: The mean pain relief time was 1.76±0.54 days in group A and 5.52±0.98 days in group B. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean wound healing time was 4.62±0.86 days in group A and 8.0±1.97 days in group B. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean hospital stay was 5.57±0.75 days in group A and 8.10±1.97 days in group B. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Topical use of heparin is safe and more effective than silver sulfadiazine cream in the management of second-degree burns in children.