The debriding potential of a recently discovered potent enzyme preparation derived from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) was compared to a routine non-enzymatic treatment in 31 patients with venous leg ulcers. To assure a reliable interpretation of the cleaning effect, computer image analysis was used to measure wound size and the amount of debris day by day. Krill enzyme treatment was significantly (p < 0.01) better than the non-enzymatic treatment. The necrotic area diminished by 53% while in the control group no reduction of the necrotic area was observed in 7 days. The median time required to clean the ulcer was 7 days in the krill group and 10 days in the control group. Afterwards the ulcers were grafted with autologous skin biopsies, which yielded similar results in both groups. No side effects were observed. It was concluded that krill enzymes fulfil criteria for effective debridement of venous leg ulcers.

Keywords:
Skin ulcers, Proteolytic debridement, Antarctic krill, Computer image analysis, Wound healing
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© 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel
1990
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