Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) therapy to enhance burn wound healing: A randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Pediatric burn injuries are often associated with significant morbidity, and require specialized care. The primary advantage of Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) is the ability to deliver electric current without direct contact with the wound, which is particularly advantageous in the pediatric population and in those with wounds over multiple areas or over sensitive regions. A prospective, randomized trial was performed. Patients with partial thickness burns were recruited into the study over a 5-year period, and randomly assigned to one of two groups - conventional dressings group and WMCS therapy group. Time to wound healing, adverse effects and risk of burn wound conversion were evaluated. Average percentage of total body surface area (TBSA%) of burn injuries for patients in both groups were 1.39 % and 2.78 % respectively. Median time to healing was 2 days faster in WMCS group (6 days vs 8 days; p = 0.0057). One burn (5.9 %) from the WMCS group and 5 (20.8 %) from the conventional dressings group progressed to deeper injuries (p = 0.261). Most common symptoms reported during therapy in both groups were pain and itch. Our study shows statistically significant improvement in healing time with WMCS therapy, despite a two times higher average TBSA% in the WMCS group.