The Use of Kerecis Omega3 Wound Fish Skin Graft for the Treatment of Deep Burn Wounds.

BACKGROUND

Addressing deep partial-thickness burns (DPTBs) and full-thickness burns (FTBs) remains a significantly challenging task in modern burn surgery. Among a broad lineup of wound products, biological adjuncts like fish skin-derived scaffolds offer unique regenerative properties, presenting new possibilities in complex wound management. We herein report our institutional clinical experience with the fish skin-based scaffold Kerecis Omega3 Wound.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center case series evaluated all patients with DPTBs and FTBs treated with Kerecis Omega3 Wound between 2020 and 2024 at the burn center of the University Hospital Zurich. The specific indications for intervention, depth of burn injury, anatomical regions of application, subsequent need for further surgery, and short- and long-term complications were systematically assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were reviewed, exhibiting a mean affected total body surface area of 35.73% and an average abbreviated burn severity index score of 7.74. Fish skin was used in an acute setting in 21 cases; for the remaining cases, it was used for chronic wound-healing disturbances following burn injury. The most frequently treated anatomical region was the upper extremity. Almost 50% of the DPTB wounds healed spontaneously following treatment with Kerecis Omega3 Wound. Conversely, all FTBs required further skin grafting or other reconstructive measures. Postsurgical infections occurred in 4 patients, necessitating the removal of the product. Contractures were observed in 3 patients with FTBs during clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Kerecis Omega3 Wound represents a valuable adjunct for wound conditioning in patients with DPTBs, either as a preparation before skin grafting or to stimulate spontaneous wound regeneration. Regarding FTBs, its efficacy in restoring the dermal layer requires further research and clinical validation.