Enzymatic necrolysis of acute deep burns--report of preliminary results with 22 patients.

Enzymatic debridement by the use of a proteolytic enzyme complex derived, isolated and purified from pineapple stems proves to be an innovative, rapid, effective, selective and safe method of postburn necrotic skin removal. The major advantages of the procedure include minimal invasivity, rapidity, effectiveness, possibility to perform the debridement at the bedside, minimal or no loss of blood and minimal interference with natural wound healing processes. Our preliminary experience with this treatment method showed that in most of the cases treated the debridement was excellent, safe and rapid. The average duration of the debridement was less than 4 hours. The debridement was accompanied by minor to moderate pain which could be treated by analgetic medications. No serious adverse events or reactions have been observed during the study. The time for healing was comparable with the standard of care methods. The second randomized multicenter study is still in progress and has not yet been finished.