A prospective descriptive study of an enzyme alginogel for partial and full-thickness burns at the Western Cape Adult Tertiary Burn Unit in South Africa

Abstract

Background. In 2013, Flaminal Forte was a relatively new topical antimicrobial gel classified as an enzymealginogel, which had been available in South Africa since 2012. It consists of hydrated alginate polymer in a polyethylene glycol and water matrix, and an antimicrobial enzyme complex (glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and guaiacol as a stabiliser). It is therefore a combination of a hydrogel, an alginate and an antimicrobial. Our goal with this small prospective study in 2013 was to gain clinical experience with Flaminal Forte , and assess the efficacy of Flaminal Forte for debridement of wounds and secondary healing.

Methods. This study was designed as a blinded prospective descriptive study. Patients included for the study had to have burn wounds that were not healed, and some slough or slow-healing areas, and these patients were not scheduled for operations within 1 - 2 weeks. The wounds included partial or full-thickness burns or postoperative skin graft areas.

Results. There were 11 patients in the study group. Most wounds appeared to have less granulation, slough and necrosis after treatment. The wounds also appeared smoother and moister after treatment. Six patients had no pain associated with the Flaminal Forte. Three patients had minimal pain requiring no analgesia. In two patients, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were needed to control pain. Seven patients required skin grafting after wound-bed preparation with Flaminal Forte.

Conclusions. The results of the study, although based on small numbers, show good effect on decreasing slough, necrotic tissue and granulation tissue on wounds. It is generally not painful on wounds. From this limited experience Flaminal Forte is therefore recommended for debridement of sloughy and necrotic wounds.