Effects of topical application of 10,000 IU heparin on patients with perineal dermatitis and second-degree burns treated in a public pediatric hospital

• Published in: Journal of tissue viability 2010-11, Vol.19 (4), p.150-158
• Main Authors: Ferreira Chacon, Julieta Maria, Mello de Andrea, Maria Lydia, Blanes, Leila, Ferreira, Lydia Masako
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Advanced Basic Science; Aerosols; Brazil; Burns; Burns - complications; Burns - drug therapy; Burns - immunology; Child; Child, Preschool; Contact dermatitis; Critical Care; Dermatitis - complications; Dermatitis - drug therapy; Dermatitis - immunology; Heparin - administration & dosage; Heparin - immunology; Heparin - pharmacology; Hospitals, Pediatric; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Infant; Male; Nursing; Pain - etiology; Pain - prevention & control; Perineum; Severity of Illness Index; Sodium heparin; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing - drug effects
• ISSN: 0965-206X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2010.03.003

Abstract Background High-molecular-weight sodium heparin (10,000 IU) has been developed based on studies conducted on burn patients; it has anti-inflammatory, antigenic and anticoagulant properties. Objectives The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of topical application of sodium heparin spray on two immunosuppressed patients (a child and a young person) with perineal dermatitis and an immunosuppressed child with second-degree burns. Methods This is a report of three clinical cases treated in a pediatric hospital. Sodium heparin spray (10,000 IU) was applied at a dose of 4200 IU per percentage of body surface area affected over the hyperemic region. Heparin spray treatment was discontinued after crust formation and wound reepithelialization; essential fatty acid was applied until spontaneous separation of the crust or total wound reepithelialization. Results Heparin spray had analgesic, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, and did not require secondary wound closure. Pain control was of fundamental importance to the patients; in the three cases, improvement in analgesia was achieved within 24 h of treatment. Conclusion The topical application of heparin spray in patients with perineal dermatitis or superficial second-degree burns demonstrated good tolerability, resulted in good aesthetic outcomes, and reduced pain.