Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Transplantation in Post-Burn Leukoderma Scars: Preliminary Experience Using a Modified...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Post-burn leukoderma, prevalent in African and Asian populations, stems from deep dermal burns.
• The condition causes significant social stigma, impacting survivor rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
• Current treatment options for post-burn leukoderma are limited, with repigmentation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of single-stage Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Transplantation (MKTP) for treating post-burn leukoderma.
• To assess the repigmentation success and patient satisfaction following MKTP in post-burn leukoderma patients.

Main Methods:

• Six patients with ten post-burn leukoderma patches underwent single-stage MKTP without adjuvant therapy.
• The average treated area was 16.25±9 cm².
• Postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months.

Main Results:

• Significant repigmentation (92.16±11.05%) was observed within one year post-MKTP.
• All six patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcomes.
• The treatment was effective for repigmenting post-burn leukoderma patches.

Conclusions:

• Single-stage Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Transplantation (MKTP) is an effective surgical option for treating post-burn leukoderma.
• MKTP offers a promising solution for repigmentation without the need for adjuvant therapies.
• Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is recommended.