Mendes João, Martinho Ana

1. An observational study about the
performance of polyhexanide/betaine
wound gel for the treatment of burn wounds
Mendes, J.; Rodrigues, A.
Burn Unit of the University of Coimbra Hospital Center, Portugal
INTRODUCTION
The EWMA 2012 press release states that “Polyhexanide/betaine gel may reduce the occurrence
of biofilms on the wound and reduces the possibility of bacterial contamination.
The Burn Unit of the University of Coimbra Hospital Center decided to conduct a observational
study to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of Polyhexanide/betaine gel.
OBJECTIVES
- to understand the effect of Polyhexanide/betaine wound gel in different types of burns;
- identify the possible advantages of Polyhexanide/betaine wound gel in the treatment of burn
patients;
- validate the use of Polyhexanide/betaine wound gel with careful analysis of cases when compared
with the present status;
- evaluate the benefits for the patient and the healthcare professional when using
Polyhexanide/betaine wound gel.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
- This study was performed from June 2013 to February 2014
- All cases that met the requirements for admission were included (exclusion of severe burn cases
due to the possibility of masking the therapeutic results);
- Obtaining patient permission;
- Gathering information using a questionnaire with each change of dressing :
- Photographs of the burns with each dressing change;
STUDY VARIABLES:
- Etiology;
- Tissue type present in the lesion
- Condition of perilesional skin
- Pain control
- Type and volume of exudate
- Evolution of the healing process.

2. An observational study about the
performance of polyhexanide/betaine
wound gel for the treatment of burn wounds
STUDY DATA
About pain management, data shows that
the treatment with polyhexanide/betaine
wound gel doesn´t causes more pain than
other treatments. However, these patients
usually need a permanent analgesic infusion
which only was needed in two patients.
It has also been found that exudate of the
wound maintains regular viscosity and
volume. This a good parameter to validate a
good evolution of the healing process.
RESULTS
Data showed a clear evolution in the
wound epithelialization, replacing the
fibrinous membranes by epithelium and
granulation tissue.
Regarding the condition of perilesional
skin, data showed only one case of erythema
that lasted for 2 days. All the other 19 cases
kept the perilesional skin intact.
The average treatment duration
was 11,2 days which was a good
result given the fact the average
TBSA was 15% and all the wounds
in the study were 2nd degree
burns.

3. CONCLUSIONS
After performing this study the results were:
- Polyhexanide/betaine wound gel is a valid option and is effective in the
treatment of burns.
- Polyhexanide/betaine wound gel has a good debridement capacity resulting in
a lower level of pain in dressing change.
- It seams that is effective managing infection of the wound (no wound infection in 20
patients)
- The 250g presentation is an asset to burn patient treatment where large
amounts of product are necessary.
REFERENCES
- EWMA press release from B. Braun “Advances in chronic wound and burn management: Wound cleansing and moistening
with Prontosan”, May 16th, 2012;
- Valenzuela AR, Perucho NS, “The effectiveness of a 0.1% polihexanide gel.”, Rev ROL Enf 2008;31(4):247-252
- Andriessen, A. et al, “Assessment of a wound cleaning solution in the treatment of problema wounds”, Rev. Wounds 2008,
20(6); 171-175
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work as been made possible by an research grant from B. Braun and the continued collaboration between the Burn Unit
of the University of Coimbra Hospital Center.
An observational study about the
performance of polyhexanide/betaine
wound gel for the treatment of burn wounds