Stem cell application in acute burn care and reconstruction

Burn injuries have a consistently high rate of mortality and morbidity, principally due to sepsis and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, wound closure is often troubled by a limited supply of autologous skin graft availability. Researchers are now looking at augmenting alternative sources for tissues engineering, including stem cells in the bone marrow, fat and hair follicles. Many studies suggest that the ability of stem cells to augment the clinical care of thermally-injured patients shows great potential; however, while our understanding of stem-cell biology has expanded dramatically over the last two decades, significant insight is still required so the full potential of these cells can be safely harnessed and transferred to patient care. This article provides a commentary on the evidence supporting a role for stem-cell therapy in acute burn care and tissue reconstruction, with particular reference to those in the bone marrow, adipose tissue and hair follicle.