A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating a Regenerative Epithelial Suspension for Medium-Size Partial-Thickness Burns in Children: The BRACS Trial

• Main Authors: Anjana Bairagi (Author), Zephanie Tyack (Author), Roy Kimble (Author), Dimitrios Vagenas (Author), Steven M. McPhail (Author), Bronwyn Griffin (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: There is little evidence regarding the efficacy of Regenerative Epidermal Suspension (RES™) management for paediatric partial-thickness burns. The Biobrane^® RECELL^® Autologous skin Cell suspension and Silver dressings (BRACS) Trial evaluated three dressings for the re-epithelialisation of partial-thickness burns in children. Methods: Eligible children (age ≤ 16 years; ≥5% TBSA; ≤48 h of injury) were randomised to silver dressings, RES™/Biobrane^® or Biobrane^®. The measured outcomes were the time to re-epithelialisation (primary outcome), pain, itch, intervention fidelity, treatment satisfaction, health-related quality of life, health resource utilisation and adverse effects. Results: The median time to re-epithelialisation in days was no different for RES™/Biobrane^® at 12 (IQR: 5.6-18.4; <i>n</i> = 7) and slower by two days for Biobrane^® at 14 (IQR: 6.3-21.7; <i>n</i> = 7) when compared to silver dressings 12 (IQR: 3.7-20.3; <i>n</i> = 8). Reduced pain, fewer infections, no sepsis, no skin graft, and the lowest impact on health-related quality of life were reported in the RES™/Biobrane^® group compared to other groups. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment suspension resulted in a smaller cohort than expected and an underpowered study. Conclusions: The pilot trial findings should be interpreted cautiously; however, they indicate that a fully powered randomised controlled trial is warranted to substantiate the role of RES™ for medium to large paediatric partial-thickness burn management.

Item Description

10.3390/ebj4010012
2673-1991