Surfactant-based wound dressings have been utilized in chronic, non-healing wounds and small burn wounds to soften and aid removal of wound debris. In vitro data suggest enhanced healing properties are due the ability to stabilize and potentially reseal plasma membranes, thereby, retaining cellular integrity and enhance wound healing. Improved cellular viability and functionality has also been established in heat-shock, ionizing radiation, and electrical injury models. In one rat model, topically suffused mesentery demonstrated improved microvascular flow and reduction in the number of abnormally flowing microvessels following thermal injury. Intravenous administration has been studied in several disease states. In thermal injury, intravenous administration has shown potential to improve blood flow and reduce the zone of coagulation. Further, surfactant-based wound dressings are non-ionic and may facilitate removal, sensitize, or prevent bacterial biofilms. Biofilms are an evolved, protective mechanism bacteria utilize to reduce antimicrobial efficacy. Removal or penetration of biofilms is essential for bacterial eradication. There is little evidence demonstrating the efficacy of early use of a WSD for treating partial-thickness burn wounds.
The purpose of this study is to test the following hypotheses:~Early use of water-soluble surfactant dressing (WSD) on partial-thickness burn wounds will result in tissue salvage and reduce surgical burden.~Early use of WSD on partial-thickness burn wounds will result in faster healing.~Use of WSD on partial-thickness burn wounds will result in less painful wound care.~Early use of WSD on partial-thickness burn wounds will result in less infection.~Early use of WSD on partial-thickness burn wounds will result in lower hospital costs.