Assessment of moist exposed burn ointment [MEBO] in the healing of chronic pressure ulcers: a prospective comparative clinical study

Pressure ulcers are a serious health issue causing clinical, financial, and emotional challenges. Treatment modalities that promote wound healing are therefore warranted. To assess the efficacy and safety of MEBO [Julphar Gulf Phannaceutical Industries, UAE] as compared to topical antibiotic ointment [Fucidin, Leo Pharmaceutical, Denmark] in the healing of chronic pressure ulcers. During a 4-year period [Jan 2003-Jan 2007], 45 patients of both sexes with 87 pressure ulcers seen at the Ahmadi Hospital [Kuwait] were categorized into 2 groups, those in group 1 [n=22] received MEBO while those in group 2 [n=23] received Fucidin. Age of the patients ranged between 14 and 102 years with a mean of 69, +/- 7.4 years. Patients had their ulcers prior to study entry for a mean of 10.55 months [range 2-26 months]. Data collected included demographics, nutritional status, underlying predisposing disease and co-morbidities. Ulcer surface area [SA] and healing index [HI] were calculated and compared at two-week intervals for 12 weeks. Patients in both groups had similar demographic and clinical features regarding their age, gender, underlying predisposing factor and comorbidities. Ulcer characteristics were also similar with respect to their number, site, size, duration, depth and presence or absence of sepsis. There was a significant [P<0.05] increase in HI and reduction in ulcer SA on weeks two and four respectively, that was main- tamed through 12 weeks in patients receiving MEBO as compared to those receiving Fucidin. Cumulative patient sample percentage showed that 55.8% of ulcers treated with MEBO had complete healing [HI = 1] by 12 weeks, as opposed to only 20.5% of those treated with Fucidin [P<0.001]. Moreover, none of the patients receiving MEBO had a HI of <50% by 12 weeks as compared to 27.3% of those receiving Fucidin [P<0.001]. Linear regression analysis showed that the change in ulcer size and HI can be attributed to ointment application [r2> 0.4]. No adverse effects of ointment were encountered in either group. Based on the data presented, it may be concluded that in addition to its safety, application of MEBO significantly promotes the healing of chronic pressure ulcers with significant increase in HI of any given ulcer to be expected as early as two weeks following initiation of treatment