Initial experience with cultured epithelial autografts in massively burnt patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026
A Murine Model of a Burn Wound Reconstructed with an Allogeneic Skin Graft
Published on: August 8, 2020
Michael Elliott1, John Vandervord
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. mselliott@optusnet.com.au
Background:
Prognosis in patients with severe burns is improved by early debridement and coverage with skin. The limiting factor in these patients is the lack of unburnt skin for harvesting. Cultured epithelial autograft (CEA) sheets provide an alternative means of covering debrided skin. This is a report on an initial experience with using CEA sheets.
Methods:
The two patients in this study had their medical records examined retrospectively.
Results:
The effective take of the CEA sheets was zero in both patients. One of the patients died approximately 6 weeks after admission.
Conclusions:
Because of the poor graft take seen in the patients in the present study, the use of CEA sheets only as a form of temporary biological dressing is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...