Effects of topical application of 10,000 IU heparin on patients with perineal dermatitis and second-degree burns treated in a public pediatric hospital

Abstract 

Background

High-molecular-weight sodium heparin (10,000 IU) has been developed based on studies conducted on burn patients; it has anti-inflammatory, antigenic and anticoagulant properties.

Objectives

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of topical application of sodium heparin spray on two immunosuppressed patients (a child and a young person) with perineal dermatitis and an immunosuppressed child with second-degree burns.

Methods

This is a report of three clinical cases treated in a pediatric hospital. Sodium heparin spray (10,000 IU) was applied at a dose of 4200 IU per percentage of body surface area affected over the hyperemic region. Heparin spray treatment was discontinued after crust formation and wound reepithelialization; essential fatty acid was applied until spontaneous separation of the crust or total wound reepithelialization.

Results

Heparin spray had analgesic, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, and did not require secondary wound closure. Pain control was of fundamental importance to the patients; in the three cases, improvement in analgesia was achieved within 24 h of treatment.

Conclusion

The topical application of heparin spray in patients with perineal dermatitis or superficial second-degree burns demonstrated good tolerability, resulted in good aesthetic outcomes, and reduced pain.

Keywords: Contact dermatitis, Burns, Child, Sodium heparin