OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE USE OF 40% BENZOIC ACID FOR NECRECTOMY IN DEEP BURNS

Area of Science:

• Burn surgery
• Wound healing
• Chemical treatments

Background:

• 40% benzoic acid has been extensively used for chemical necrectomy of deep burns since 1982.
• Previous data on benzoic acid absorption and patient safety was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of chemical necrectomy using 40% benzoic acid.
• To quantify benzoic acid absorption and patient safety during burn treatment.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 22 burn patients, measuring plasmatic levels of benzoic acid, hippuric acid, and glycine.
• Collected urine samples to determine hippuric acid excretion.
• Calculated total absorbed and excreted benzoic acid.

Main Results:

• Observed rapid, short-term increases in plasmatic benzoic acid levels (max 1.3 mmol/l), significantly below toxic levels (6.5 mmol/l).
• Hippuric acid levels followed a similar pattern.
• Glycine levels showed a slight, non-significant drop within the normal range.

Conclusions:

• Chemical necrectomy with 40% benzoic acid is a selective, cost-effective, and minimally bloody alternative to sharp necrectomy.
• Clinically negligible toxicity of absorbed benzoic acid.
• Antimycotic and antibacterial properties of benzoic acid aid in preventing wound infections.