Use of xenograft in the treatment of 2nd degree burns: A literature review

Abstract

The quantity of human skin in Brazilian's skin center is insufficient to attend less than 1% of treatments of burning. Therefore, new studies were appointed to use biological bandages based on aquatic animals with a choice of treatment of 2° degree burns. Initiated the study of the use of xenograft of tilapia on second-degree burns about therapeutics and clinical surgical results. This is a systemic review of literature realized through article surveys on a database of Revista Brasileira de Burns, Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plastica, LILACS, and PubMed. Through the search on identified bases, 19 articles were considered eligible and underpin the construction of this review. In addition, the present study was based on literary works on semiology and dermatology and the Ministry of Health booklet on the emergency treatment of burns. Comparative research between human and Nile tilapia skin proves good results in histological, histochemical aspects, tensiometric properties, and manipulation related to the characteristics of this material. In addition, studies show that the use of biological occlusive dressings should reduce hydro electrolytic losses, avoid bacterial contamination, and promote reepithelialization of burned skin. Thus, it is concluded that xenografts be considered a solution in the therapeutic and socioeconomic scope of burns. It is, therefore, an innovative product, of easy application and high availability, which may become the first animal skin nationally studied and registered by the National Health Surveillance Agency.