Topical negative pressure (TNP) for treating partial thickness burns

Wasiak J, Cleland H

Published Online:

October 6, 2010

Topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy is the application of negative pressure across a wound to help the wound to heal. In this instance, the pressure is used to help the drainage of excess fluid, reduce infection rates and increase localised blood flow, thereby supplying the burn wound with oxygen and nutrition to promote the healing process. Alternative names for TNP include vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and sealed surface wound suction. There is a lack of evidence about whether TNP therapy is effective in treating people with partial thickness burns.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

A burn wound is a complex and evolving injury, with both local and systemic consequences. Treatments include using a variety of dressings, but newer strategies such as topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) have been developed to try and promote the wound healing process and minimise burn wound progression. TNP uses a suction force to drain excess fluids.

Objectives:

To assess the effectiveness of TNP for those people with partial thickness burns.

Search strategy:

For this update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 1 September 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)(The Cochrane Library 2010 Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to August Week 3 2010), Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2010 Week 34) and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 27 August 2010).

Selection criteria:

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of TNP for partial thickness burns.

Data collection and analysis:

Two authors using standardised forms extracted the data independently. We assessed each trial for internal validity, and resolved differences by discussion.

Main results:

One RCT, which was an interim report, satisfied the inclusion criteria. We undertook a narrative synthesis of results, as the absence of data, poor reporting or both precluded us from carrying out any formal statistical analysis. The trial was at high risk of bias.

Authors' conclusions:

There is a no evidence regarding the use of TNP for treating partial thickness burn wounds.

This record should be cited as:

Wasiak J, Cleland H. Topical negative pressure (TNP) for partial thickness burns. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD006215. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006215.pub2

Assessed as up to date:

September 1, 2010

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Primary Review Group:

Wounds Group

Health topics:

Skin > Wounds > Burns: physical therapies

Wounds > Burns > Physical therapies

Skin > Wounds > Burns: other

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Topical negative pressure (TNP) for treating partial thickness burns

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