Effectiveness of topical α-Tocopherol Acetate in burn infection treatment

Infection following burn injury is critical, especially for patients with large total body surface area burns and in skin graft donor sites. Although various aspects of α-tocopherol acetate (α-TA) beneficial effects on wound healing have been validated, it appears that no study has specifically addressed its antimicrobial potential. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic efficacy of topical application of α-TA in terms of bacterial load reduction. Between January 2018 and June 2018, 20 patients with mid-deep and deep burn wounds were included in the present study (average TBSA approximately 42%, range 25-67%). Patient average age was 47.75 years (range 25-72 years), 8 were male. In each patient two clinically similar areas were identified and treated every 24 hours with topical application of α-TA in the form of Filme Olio® (Group 1) and conventional medication (Group 2). All the patients had positive results for bacterial cultures before treatment. Despite the presence of initial bacterial infection, a quicker reduction of exudates and pain and a progressive and faster bacterial load reduction was observed in Group 1. Negative cultures were obtained after 3 days on average in Group 1 (range 1-6 days) and 8 days in Group 2 (range 5-9 days). This study clearly shows the importance of the therapeutic targeting of infection in the treatment of burns. α-TA may represent a safe, simple and inexpensive method for improving the healing of difficult wounds with local infection.