Bacteriostatic and biological stimulation effect of Mepitel on experimental burns on the skin of rats

This study was conducted on 200 white Wistar rats weighing about 200 g each. The animals were divided into two equal groups--an experimental one, with Mepitel (SCA Mölnlycke) dressings, and a control group with cotton gauze dressings. Microbiological and histological examinations and measurements of the wounds made on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days after the 3rd-degree heat burn was inflicted using the standard method. The observations included burns with the spontaneous elimination of necroses and healing; wounds after operative total necrectomy of the burnt skin and spontaneous healing; and burns followed by total surgical necrectomy and grafting with allotransplants. The quantitative results reveal statistically reliable bacteriostatic activity above and under the Mepitel dressing. The histological examination reveals considerable biological activity in the tissues under the Mepitel. This manifests itself as an acceleration in the healing process in the wounds caused by burns and after necrectomy of the burnt skin. Mepitel on the allotransplant on the wound, which was left following the necrectomy of the burnt skin provokes the rapid and early rejection of the allograft. Mepitel's biological activity has also been confirmed by the statistically-reliable data relating to the dynamic changes in the length and breadth of the wounds. The authors came to the conclusion that, when applied immediately to a burn or a wound left following the necrectomy of skin burns, Mepitel suppresses the development of the microbiological flora and stimulates the normal healing process. Mepitel is not suitable for dressing allotransplants because of the rapid acceleration of their rejection.