Studies in burns: XV. Use of a topical lipid in treating human burns.

Sixty patients were selected from the 24-month burn population admitted to the Medical College of Georgia. Selection was on the basis of age, size of burn, and survival beyond 120 hours. Thirty-one of these patients were treated with ethyl linoleate agent (hELate) in addition to the modalities we routinely use for burn care. hELate was applied in a dose of 25 mg/kg only once in the period after burn. Significant pain relief and enhancement of wound healing (with return of hair and pigment) occurred in the hELate-treated patient. Less narcotic was needed, fewer grafts and reconstructive procedures were required, and hospital stay was reduced significantly. It is suggested that hELate is a safe and useful adjunctive to burn care.