[The pH value of granulating wound and skin graft in burn patients]

The relationship between pH of granulation of burn wound and take rate of skin graft was presented. The bacteria in the granulation tissue were also quantified. The results showed: (1) The optimal pH of granulation wound for the take of skin graft is 7.2-7.5; (2) pH of granulation of burn wound is related to quantity and species of bacteria in the granulation tissue. The wound pH is 6.7 or lower when the number of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus is over 10(7)/gm of granulation tissue. The wound pH is 8.0 when the number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is 10(8)/gm of granulation tissue. Because the measurement of wound pH is rapid, simple and noninvasive, it might be useful in predicting the take rate of skin graft.