Research Appraisals
Evidence-based critical appraisals of the latest medical research, systematically evaluated using Oxford CEBM methodology.
Showing 2 appraisals
Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association
FGF2 in Burn Wound Healing: From Molecular Function to Clinical Application-A Systematic Review
Burn injuries trigger complex inflammatory and metabolic cascades that impair wound healing and increase morbidity. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), a potent mediator of cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in burn care. This systematic review evaluated the biological mechanisms, delivery strategies, and clinical outcomes associated with FGF2 in burn wound healing to clarify its therapeutic value and translational potential. Following PRISMA 2020 standards, a structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to identify studies investigating FGF2 in thermal injuries. Eligible records included clinical trials, in vivo models, and in vitro experiments. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the SYRCLE tool, and the Oxford Levels of Evidence. Thirty-three studies (1992-2025) met inclusion criteria, encompassing randomized controlled trials, animal models, and mechanistic analyses. Fibroblast growth factor 2 accelerated repair by stimulating fibroblast proliferation, keratinocyte migration, angiogenesis, and matrix organization. Topical FGF2 formulations shortened healing time and improved scar quality in partial-thickness burns. Innovative carriers, including hydrogels, liposomes, and gene-activated matrices, enhanced bioavailability and sustained local effects. In diabetic and complex burn models, FGF2 mitigated inflammation, preserved barrier integrity, and promoted re-epithelialization. Efficacy depended on dosage and wound characteristics. Studies reported favorable safety profiles with minimal and mild adverse events. Fibroblast growth factor 2 demonstrates regenerative and immunomodulatory potential in burn management. Broader adoption requires harmonized regulatory evaluation, optimized delivery systems, and multicenter validation to define its role in precision-guided burn care.
11 May 2026
Read appraisal →Journal of wound care
Comparison between foam dressings impregnated with ionic silver and silver sulfadiazine cream 1% in treating deep burns.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of foam dressings impregnated with ionic silver (AgF) compared to the traditional treatment of 1% silver sulfadiazine cream (SSD) in deep burns (deep dermal and full-thickness burns) and assess the cost-effectiveness ratio between the two treatments. METHOD: This was a randomised clinical trial of patients who were divided into two equal-sized treatment groups: Group 1-SSD or Group 2 - AgF. Inclusion criteria were patients aged between 18-60 years with burns of thermal origin affecting 10-30% of the body surface area, and with a comparable percentage of deep burns. The following outcomes were analysed: pain; discomfort; wound infection; need for new grafting; ease of dressing application; length of stay; and cost of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients took part (20 in each group). Regarding patients' experience of pain, data analysis revealed more effective pain control in patients treated with AgF. Additionally, the AgF dressing was considered safer, more comfortable and presented an average lower cost of 30.6% compared to the SSD. CONCLUSION: The findings of this trial showed that, compared to the SSD, the AgF dressings were more effective in treating deep burns, to prepare them for skin graft surgery.
10 May 2026
Read appraisal →