Suprathel® and water-filtered infrared-A radiation (wIRA) as a new treatment strategy for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN): A prospective study

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of approximately 25 % to 30 %. Early and adequate wound coverage is necessary due to large skin defects. Suprathel® is a modern wound dressing that shows promising results when treating superficial wounds such as scalds, burns and abrasions. Previous reports on wound care in TEN patients using Suprathel® have described radical debridement of the entire affected body surface prior to the application of Suprathel®. However, heavy wound secretion in TEN may result in the loss of a significant portion of Suprathel® over time. Prolonged operation time increases the risk of hypothermia. In addition, the large open wound areas result in an increased risk for hypovolemic shock, wound infection, and subsequent sepsis. This study presents a new strategy that involves serial hydrotherapeutic wound debridement and the stepwise application of Suprathel® to the affected areas. Water-filtered infrared A light (wIRA) was used to keep the Suprathel®-covered areas dry. Retrospective data from patients who received polyhexanide gel treatment (control group 1) and those who only received Suprathel® (control group 2) were collected for matched-pair analysis. The length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the need for catecholamines were compared among the three groups. By using serial debridement and combining wIRA treatment with Suprathel® dressings, we were able to significantly reduce the need for catecholamines, lower the risk of hypothermia and infection, and shorten ICU stay compared to the two control groups. We propose incorporating this methodology into the standard of care to promote wound closure and healing when treating TEN patients.