Background:
Suprathel® is a synthetic, resorbable wound dressing used in the treatment of partial thickness burns. Its biocompatibility, ability to adhere to the wound bed, semi-permeability, and reduction in dressing change frequency make it an attractive option in paediatric burn care. Unlike other dermal matrices that are ideally applied within 24 hours of injury, Suprathel remains effective up to 72 hours post-burn, offering flexibility for tertiary centres receiving delayed patient presentations.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of paediatric patients treated with Suprathel for partial thickness burns at a tertiary paediatric burns centre over a 12-month period.
Methods:
A retrospective case series was conducted on all patients aged ≤16 years who presented to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead between April 2024 and April 2025 with partial thickness burns treated with Suprathel within 72 hours of injury. Inclusion required a minimum of one month follow-up. Patients were excluded if they had incomplete follow-up or if their burns were initially treated at another facility. Data collected included patient demographics, burn characteristics, time to healing, number of dressing changes, analgesia requirements, and complications including infection.
Results:
Preliminary data indicate that Suprathel demonstrated excellent adherence, with minimal disruption to the wound bed and reduced need for dressing changes. Most patients healed within 14–21 days, with a low incidence of wound infection and no cases of Suprathel-associated complications. Reduced procedural pain and sedation requirements were also observed.
Conclusion:
Suprathel is a safe, effective, and flexible option for managing partial thickness burns in paediatric patients, especially in tertiary referral centres. Its extended application window and favourable clinical profile support its broader adoption in paediatric burn care.