Fish skin as a biological dressing for burn injuries

Abstract

Background: Recently, biological dressings have become popular in treating burn injuries. Fish skin has non-infectious microbiota, high levels of type 1 and type 3 collagen, and a structural property similar to human skin, making it a promising xenograft for managing burn wounds. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fish skin as a physiological dressing cover in patients with burn injuries. Method: From June 2017 to June 2021, 18 patients who were admitted to our center within 3 days from a thermal injury, burns with a partial thickness of approximately 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) or complete partial-thickness burns ranging from 5% to 15% of the TBSA, and treated with the Shaour (Lethrinus lentjan) fish skin xenografts were enrolled in this retrospective study. The demographic characteristics of the participants, wound healing process, and final outcome were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.86 ± 9.14 years (range 19–46) which encompassed 12 (66.7%) men and 6 (33.3%) women. Superficial partial-thickness burns were seen in 13 (72.2%) patients, whereas full-thickness burns were seen in five (27.8%) patients. The mean time to 90% epithelialization and 100% epithelialization were 11.05 ± 2.57 days and 17.27 ± 2.05 days, respectively. The mean pain scores were 6.94 ± 0.72 and 5.22 ± 0.64 on days 7 and 15, respectively. Neither negative consequence nor allergic reaction was associated with using the fish skin grafts. The main reduction in the pain score from the first visit (7 days) to the second visit (15 days) was 1.72 ± 0.95 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Acellular fish skin is a useful tool for wound healing treatment in complete and partial thickness burns. To validate this result, prospective cohort studies with long-term post-procedural follow-up are needed.