Epidermal-cell-based therapy as an adjunct to healing second degree burns-A randomized controlled pilot study

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Dermatology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Partial-thickness burns (2a and 2b) exhibit unpredictable healing outcomes regarding time, scarring, and pigmentation.
• Epidermal blister grafting transfers epidermal islands without dermal elements, utilizing the FDA-acknowledged Cellutome™ device.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of epidermal blister grafting versus standard acellular treatment for partial-thickness burns.
• To assess if cellular grafting improves healing quality compared to acellular methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 8 patients, with each patient receiving both treatments on different burn sites.
• Comprehensive assessments including Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), POSAS, photography, spectrometry, Semmes-Weinstein Filaments, cutometry, and ultrasound at 12 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Areas treated with epidermal blister grafting demonstrated slightly faster healing rates than acellular treatment.
• Cellular treatment resulted in significantly less erythema, indicating healing closer to normal skin (p=0.0404).
• Donor sites from epidermal harvesting were imperceptible and showed no measurable difference from normal skin.

Conclusions:

• The cellular epidermal blister grafting technique is favored over acellular methods for treating partial-thickness burns.
• Improved erythema suggests a higher quality healing process with cellular grafting.
• Future research should focus on larger treatment areas and increased sample sizes.