Our initial experience with rapid enzymatic debriding agent for burn eschar: Case series from an ABA verified burn center

Abstract

We reviewed 14 consecutive patients at our ABA-verified burn center who received enzymatic debridement with anacaulase-bcdb (NexoBrid®) from January 2020 to May 2023. These patients, part of the NEXT study, had deep partial or full-thickness burns. We aimed to evaluate NexoBrid’s effect on eschar removal, wound healing, surgical needs, and scar quality.

Data included total body surface area (TBSA) burned, enzymatically treated area, amount of NexoBrid used, grafting details, time to healing, and scar characteristics. Analysis was descriptive, reporting medians, ranges, and percentages.

All 14 patients achieved ≥ 95 % eschar removal with a single NexoBrid application. Their ages ranged from 15–65 years, and mean burn size was 9.25 % TBSA. Eight patients required grafting, but these grafts covered only about 60 % of the treated area. Time to 95 % wound closure averaged 36 days. Scar assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale showed improvement from a mean score of 3.8 at three months to 0.5 at twelve months. Despite this, four patients developed hypertrophic scars and one required intervention for a contracture.

In summary, NexoBrid facilitated rapid, consistent non-surgical eschar removal, timely wound closure, and favorable scar outcomes within one year. In nearly half of the patients, it eliminated the need for skin grafting. Among those who did require grafts, smaller graft areas were needed. These findings suggest that early eschar removal and dermal preservation contribute to improved outcomes. Further studies with larger cohorts will help confirm these results.