We are advocating the study of Suprathel® (Polymedics Innovations GmbH, Denkendorf, Germany), a synthetic wound dressing made of polymers of D-,L- lactate, and ε caprolactone, in the early coverage of burns for use in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCOs) as compared to standard of care. The rationale for studying Suprathel® is its favorable physical characteristics as a portable treatment, ease of application by personnel without formal medical training, proven efficacy in improving outcomes after partial-thickness burn injury to include better pain control, preliminary evidence in decreasing burn wound conversion, and the lack of adverse consequences in covering indeterminant depth or full thickness burns.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect to which Suprathel® (Polymedics Innovations GmbH, Denkendorf, Germany) can reduce the need for grafting compared to Standard of Care (SoC). Furthermore, the study intends to evaluate if Suprathel® allows for a reduction of reduction of pain, infection, provider workload, scar development and costs compared to SoC.