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Published on: March 25, 2020
The effects of sirolimus on wound healing in dermatologic surgery
Jerry D Brewer1, Clark C Otley, Leslie J Christenson
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Background:
Sirolimus, a TOR (target of rapamycin)-binding immunosuppressant, has been associated with wound healing complications; however, its effects have not been documented in dermatologic surgery.
Objective:
The objective was to determine the effect of sirolimus on wound healing in dermatologic surgery.
Methods And Materials:
Databases at Mayo Clinic were queried for organ transplant recipients undergoing dermatologic surgery. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and telephone interviews were conducted. Patients receiving sirolimus were compared with patients not receiving sirolimus.
Results:
Postoperative infections occurred in 19.2% of the sirolimus group (n=26) and 5.4% of the controls (n=37; p=.11; odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-23.4). The incidence of wound dehiscence was greater in the sirolimus group (7.7% vs. 0%; p=.17; OR, 7.7; 95% CI, 0.4-166.3).
Conclusion:
No significantly increased risk of wound complications was found in organ transplant recipients receiving sirolimus while undergoing dermatologic surgery. However, this study was retrospective and had a small sample size. A larger study is necessary for corroboration.
Insights
This study found no significant increase in wound healing complications for organ transplant patients undergoing dermatologic surgery while taking sirolimus. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings on sirolimus and wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Immunosuppression and Transplantation
- Dermatologic Surgery Outcomes
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Sirolimus, a target of rapamycin (TOR)-binding immunosuppressant, is linked to wound healing issues.
- The impact of sirolimus on wound healing in dermatologic surgery remains undocumented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sirolimus on wound healing following dermatologic surgery.
- To compare wound healing outcomes in patients receiving sirolimus versus those not on the drug.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of organ transplant recipients undergoing dermatologic surgery at Mayo Clinic.
- Comparison of wound healing complications between patients on sirolimus and a control group.
- Data collection via medical records review and telephone interviews.
Main Results:
- The sirolimus group showed a higher incidence of postoperative infections (19.2%) and wound dehiscence (7.7%) compared to controls.
- Statistical analysis did not reveal a significantly increased risk for these complications in the sirolimus group.
- The study noted trends towards increased complications but lacked statistical significance due to small sample size.
Conclusions:
- No significantly increased risk of wound complications was identified in organ transplant recipients undergoing dermatologic surgery while taking sirolimus.
- The retrospective nature and limited sample size of this study necessitate larger investigations.
- Further research is required to definitively establish the relationship between sirolimus use and dermatologic surgery wound healing.
