The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of topical silver zinc sulfadiazine (SSD) cream, known as standard therapy, compared with SSD cream containing silk sericin for partial thickness burn wounds treatment. Sixteen patients (thirty-four burn wounds) admitted in Siriraj burn unit during September 2010 - May 2011 were randomly assigned to receive either SSD cream (8 patients, 17 burn wounds) or SSD cream containing silk sericin (8 patients, 17 burn wounds). There were no significant differences in demographic data including gender, age, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, drug allergy and percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burn, as well as social history (smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine) in both groups. Wound area measurements were taken every day, the SSD cream containing silk sericin group did not show better percentage of wound area reduction when compared to SSD cream group. However, the healing time of burn wounds in the group treated with SSD cream containing silk sericin was 23.88±6.34 days versus 29.53±8.12 days in the group treated with SSD cream. This result was 5.65±2.50 days shorter in SSD cream containing silk sericin compared to the SSD group (p=0.031). Moreover, there was no wound infection in any of burn wounds. Initially, serum biochemical parameters indicated liver function (AST, ALT, ALP) and renal function (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) were elevated but then back to normal in a week except albumin level was lower than normal range. However all parameters were within normal limit at the end of the study. There were two mild and common adverse reactions found in both groups, itching or smarting, but no serious adverse reaction was found. In conclusion, the results of this study confirm the greater efficacy of SSD cream containing silk sericin in the treatment of partial thickness burn wounds without serious adverse reaction, renal or liver toxicity.
SUBJECT
Sulfadiazine -- Therapeutic use -- Effectiveness
Silver sulfadiazine -- Therapeutic use -- Effectiveness