The effects and uses of heparin in the care of burns that improves treatment and enhances the quality of life.

Burn care has been mostly surgical, difficult, and expensive. The use of adequately large doses of heparin administered both parenterally and topically improved burn treatment and quality of life (1-20). Burn pain was relieved. Patients were not toxic. Tissue swelling, resuscitation fluids, and healing time were reduced. Pulmonary and intestinal pathology were notably absent. The new skin was smooth, comfortable, and contracture free. More than anticoagulating effect were seen. Antiinflammatory effects, active at acidic phs but not at alkaline phs, stopped burn pain inflammation, and extension. Neoangiogenic effects revascularized ischemic tissue. Reepithelializing effects were evident. Nonburn and recent burn studies confirmed that heparin had these strong properties and effects (7-13, 21-34). Medical and surgical procedures were reduced. Burn care became simpler and easier. Precautions to prevent bleeding were used. Current use of heparin is limited. Wider use is warranted.