The Unknown Benefits of Dermal Matrices in Prevent Loss of Albumin in Patient with Major Burns

Background: Hypoalbuminemia is a common complication after burn injury, exacerbated by surgical debridement, and contributes to edema, delayed healing, infection, and mortality. NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) is a dermal substitute that may reduce protein loss from open wounds. Objective: To evaluate the effect of BTM on serum albumin levels compared with conventional split-thickness skin grafting. Method: This retrospective review included burn patients (TBSA ≥10%, length of stay >30 days) admitted between 2020–2025 who underwent debridement followed by BTM or skin grafting. Serial albumin levels were analyzed as weekly means. Result: Baseline characteristics were comparable between BTM (n=14) and non-BTM (n=16) groups. Albumin decreased in both groups at week 1. From week 3 onward, albumin levels rose only in the BTM group, with significant intergroup differences at weeks 5–7 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), but not at week 8. Conclusion: BTM application was associated with faster albumin recovery compared with conventional methods. This is the first study to suggest that a dermal substitute may positively influence systemic albumin dynamics in burn patients, highlighting its potential role in reducing protein loss and supporting metabolic recovery.