Does enzymatic debridement reduce the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring in intermediate depth burns?

Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) is a major concern after burns. While conservative therapy is standard for superficial partial thickness burns and debridement for deep burns, the optimal treatment for intermediate depth burns remains unclear. This retrospective study assesses whether enzymatic debridement with Nexobrid® (EDNX) can reduce HTS in intermediate depth burns.

Patients with intermediate depth burns (healing potential (HP) 14-21 days), assessed by laser Doppler imaging (LDI), were retrospectively analysed for HTS following conservative therapy or EDNX. Regions of interest (ROIs) were analysed for flux values, surface area, and wound closure time. HTS within ROIs was evaluated at 3-6, 6-12, and 12-24 months post-injury, independently by two burn specialists.

In total, 87 ROIs were analyzed in 62 patients, with 44 ROIs treated conservatively and 43 ROIs treated with EDNX. HTS was still present after 12 months in 13.6 % (6/44) of ROIs in the conservative group and 9.3 % (4/43) in the EDNX group, showing no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.186). The conservative group and EDNX group were comparable, with no statistically significant difference in flux values (346.41 ± 22.90 vs. 340.19 ± 20.75, p = 0.275) or wound closure time (22.70 ± 7.90 vs. 23.42 ± 7.47, p = 0.862). A statistically significant correlation was found between HTS formation and wound closure time (p = 0.001); however, no significant correlation was observed between HTS formation and flux values (p = 0.262).

The overall incidence of HTS after scar maturation was low in both the conservative group (13.6 %) and in the EDNX group (9.3 %). A small, but in significant difference was observed in HTS prevalence between intermediate depth burns treated conservatively and those treated with EDNX. These findings support conservative management through local wound care as the preferred approach for intermediate depth burns.