The use of meshed split skin autographs (SSGs) combined with autologous cultured proliferating epidermal cells provided better wound healing and less scarring compared to using SSGs alone.

In a 40-patient clinical trial, researchers from The Netherlands found that such technique provided better results for patients who suffered serious and deep burns. The usual method of treating burns was the use of split skin autographs.

The new technique developed by the researchers used autologous (self-donated), cultured proliferating epidermal cells that were “harvested” from a small donor site, and “seeded” in a collagen carrier that could, in theory, enhance the wound healing rate and improve scar quality.

Dr. Shinn-Zong Lin, Vice-Superintendent for the Center of Neuropsychiatry, professor of Neurosurgery at China Medical University Hospital, and coeditor-in-chief for Cell Transplantationwas quoted saying that this study offers a promising, improved therapeutic method for treating severe burns.

According to Dr. Esther Middelkoop of the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, a co-author of the study,

The rate of epithelialization in the experimental treatment was statistically significantly better when compared to the standard treatment. We also established improved pigmentation for the wounds treated with cultured ECs. Scar quality impacts patients’ lives in many ways due to cosmetic and functional concerns.

Additionally, there is a high economic burden on patients due to extended hospital stays and the cost of rehabilitation and reconstructive therapies. Because of this, additional research in burn wound treatment and the improvement of scar quality will always be of the highest priority.

It was revealed that epithelial cells applied to a carrier system could, in fact, reduce wound healing time and improve both short-term and long-term functional as well as cosmetic scar quality.

It was observed that the primary outcome was wound closure after five to seven days, said the researchers. Secondary outcomes were safety and scar quality, which were measured at three and 12 months.

Read more on: http://ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ct/pre-prints/content-CT-1380_Gardien_et_al