Dermal regenerative matrix use in burn patients: A systematic review

Comparative Analysis of Animal-Derived vs Fully Synthetic Acellular Dermal Matrices in Reconstructive Surgery: An Examination of Clinical, Aesthetic, and Economic Measures

INTRODUCTION

The fully synthetic skin substitute, NovoSorb Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM), may be a cost-effective alternative to the animal-derived Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (IDRT). However, the current literature insufficiently compares the two. Therefore, our study compared clinical, aesthetic, and economic outcomes in treating soft tissue wounds with IDRT, an animal-derived template, vs BTM, a fully synthetic template.

METHODS

Our single-center retrospective study compared outcomes of 26 patient cases treated with BTM (57.7%) or IDRT (42.3%) during 2011-2022.

RESULTS

The mean surgery time was significantly shorter in BTM cases (1.632 ± 0.571 hours) compared with IDRT cases (5.282 ± 5.102 hours, P = 0.011). Median postoperative hospital stay was notably shorter for BTM placement than IDRT placement (0.95 vs 6.60 days, P = 0.003). The median postoperative follow-up length approached a shorter duration in the BTM group (P = 0.054); however, median follow-up visits were significantly lower in the BTM group compared with the IDRT group (5 vs 14, P = 0.012). The median duration for complete wound closure was shorter for BTM (46.96 vs 118.91 days, P = 0.011). Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix demonstrated a notably lower infection rate (0.0%) compared with IDRT (36.4%, P = 0.022). Integra Dermal Regeneration Template exhibited higher wound hypertrophy rates (81.8%) than BTM (26.7%, P = 0.015). Revisionary surgeries were significantly more frequent in the BTM group (P < 0.001). Failed closure, defined as requiring one or more attempts, exhibited a significant difference, with a higher risk in the IDRT group (26.7%) compared with BTM (6.7%, P = 0.003). Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix showed a lower mean Vancouver Scar Scale adjusted fraction (0.279) compared with IDRT (0.639, P < 0.001). Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix incurred lower costs compared with IDRT but displayed a lower mean profit per square centimeter ($10.63 vs $22.53, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Economically, although the net profit per square centimeter of dermal template may favor IDRT, the ancillary benefits associated with BTM in terms of reduced hospital stay, shorter surgery times, fewer follow-up visits, and lower revisionary surgery rates contribute substantially to overall cost-effectiveness. Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix use reflects more efficient resource use and potential cost savings, aligning with broader trends in healthcare emphasizing value-based and patient-centered care.

Monolayer acellular dermal matrix for reconstruction of face burn: A case report

Introduction

Facial burns constitute a severe medical and psychological challenge, dramatically affecting patients' quality of life. We present an innovative approach involving the use of a monolayer acellular matrix-specifically the INTEGRA® Dermal Regeneration Template Single Layer-to optimize skin grafting outcomes in a facial burn patient.

Case report

The case revolves around a 45-year-old woman suffering a facial burn due to a clothes iron accident. Following escharectomy, dermabrasion, and homologous tissue graft placement, a monolayer acellular dermal matrix was strategically applied to the right malar area. Subsequently, we conducted a reconstruction with partial-thickness grafts. The integration of grafts with the acellular dermal matrix was seamless, absent of complications. The patient's healing process was marked by significant improvement, devoid of infections, bleeding, or any need for graft resection.

Discussion

This case underscores the profound benefits of using a monolayer dermal matrix in facial burn reconstruction. Despite necessitating surgical expertise and meticulous wound preparation, this approach substantially reduced operating room time and improved clinical outcomes. This study illuminates the potential of acellular dermal matrix application in facial burn reconstruction, paving the way for further research and clinical advancements in this area.

Dermal Regeneration Template in the Management and Reconstruction of Burn Injuries and Complex Wounds: A Review

Background

Dermal scaffolds have created a paradigm shift for burn and wound management by providing improved healing and less scarring, while improving cosmesis and functionality. Dermal regeneration template (DRT) is a bilayer membrane for dermal regeneration developed by Yannas and Burke in the 1980s. The aim of this review is to summarize clinical evidence for dermal scaffolds focusing on DRT for the management and reconstruction of burn injuries and complex wounds.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed was performed from the start of indexing through November 2022. Articles reporting on DRT use in patients with burns, limb salvage, and wound reconstruction were included with focus on high-level clinical evidence.

Results

DRT has become an established alternative option for the treatment of full-thickness and deep partial-thickness burns, with improved outcomes in areas where cosmesis and functionality are important. In the management of diabetic foot ulcers, use of DRT is associated with high rates of complete wound healing with a low risk of adverse outcomes. DRT has been successfully used in traumatic and surgical wounds, showing particular benefit in deep wounds and in the reconstruction of numerous anatomical sites.

Conclusions

Considerable clinical experience has accrued with the use of DRT beyond its original application for thermal injury. A growing body of evidence from clinical studies reports the successful use of DRT to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life across clinical indications at a number of anatomical sites.

Use of human acellular dermal matrix in rhinoplasty: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Alloplastic implants such as acellular dermal matrix (ADM) have been used for various aesthetic and reconstructive purposes since the 1990s. Rhinoplasty addresses both aesthetic and functional nasal impairments, often involving the adoption of grafting materials. Currently, autologous grafts, such as those using septal cartilage, are the gold standard. However, they pose the risk of donor site morbidity, technical challenges, and additional operative time. We review total complications, resorption/re-operation and success rates associated with the use of ADM in rhinoplasty. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Prospero, DynaMed, DARE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases. (Registry: CRD42023428019). A total of 462 patients from 15 studies were included, the mean (range) age was 30 (12-65) years, with a female-to-male ratio of 2:1. The most common indications for ADM were for cosmetic (35%, n = 163) and functional rhinoplasty (5%, n = 24). The most common type of ADM used was Alloderm (46%, n = 211). The most common indication for ADM was dorsal nasal augmentation (68%, n = 314). Eleven patients (2%) required revision surgery. The pooled success of ADM in rhinoplasty was 96% (95% CI 94 to 99, p = 0.93; I2 = 0%). 2% of patients developed postoperative complications and no statistically significant difference was seen in complications or success rates when comparing the different types of ADM. ADM in rhinoplasty was associated with fewer complications and re-operation rates, and similar if not less resorption compared to traditional autografts. Therefore, it can be a viable alternative to current autologous grafts in rhinoplasty surgery.

Dermal substrate application in the treatment of pediatric hand burns: clinical and functional outcomes

BACKGROUND

Hand burn injuries are common among pediatric patients. Management of deep partial thickness and full thickness hand burns varies by center, with some favoring upfront autografting and others using dermal substrates (DS) as biologic dressings to accelerate burn wound healing. Achieving best outcomes is critical in children given the propensity of burn wound scars to affect hand function as a child grows and develops. Given potential complications associated with autografting in children, our center often prefers to treat pediatric hand burns initially with DS, with subsequent autografting if there is failure to heal. In this case series, we examined the outcomes of this practice.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric burn patients with <10% total body surface area (TBSA) burns who underwent application of DS to hand burn injuries between 2013 and 2021. Burn mechanism, patient demographics, wound treatment details, healing and functional outcomes, and complications were collected. Descriptive statistics were computed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with hand burns and overall <10% TBSA burns underwent application of DS to hands. Median age at the time of injury was 4.1 years (IQR: 1.8, 10.7) and 29 patients (58%) were male. Eighteen (36%) patients had bilateral hand burns, 10 (20%) had burns to their dominant hand, 6 (12%) their non-dominant hand, and 16 (32%) had unestablished or unknown hand dominance. Subsequent autografting was required in 5 (10%) patients treated initially with DS; four of these patients had full thickness injuries. Five (10%) patients developed contracture at the site of DS application for which two underwent scar release with tissue rearrangement, one underwent laser treatment, and two were managed conservatively. Most patients had splints (94%), or compression garments (54%) prescribed to aid in functional recovery.

CONCLUSION

Children with hand burns who underwent DS application healed well with few requiring autografting or developing contractures. Most patients who needed autografting had deeper injuries. Most patients who developed a contracture required additional procedural intervention. Recognizing factors that contribute to the need for autografting after initial treatment with DS can help direct intervention decisions in pediatric patients with hand burn injuries.

Artificial dermis combined with skin grafting for the treatment of hand skin and soft tissue defects and exposure of bone and tendon

BACKGROUND

The recovery time of hand wounds is long, which can easily result in chronic and refractory wounds, making the wounds unable to be properly repaired. The treatment cycle is long, the cost is high, and it is prone to recurrence and disability. Double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin transplantation has been used to repair hypertrophic scars, deep burn wounds, exposed bone and tendon wounds, and post tumor wounds.

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of autologous skin graft transplantation in conjunction with double-layer artificial dermis in treating finger skin wounds that are chronically refractory and soft tissue defects that expose bone and tendon.

METHODS

Sixty-eight chronic refractory patients with finger skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by bone and tendon exposure who were admitted from July 2021 to June 2022 were included in this study. The observation group was treated with double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin graft transplantation (n = 49), while the control group was treated with pedicle skin flap transplantation (n = 17). The treatment status of the two groups of patients was compared, including the time between surgeries and hospital stay. The survival rate of skin grafts/flaps and postoperative wound infections were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for scar scoring at 6 mo after surgery, as well as the sensory injury grading method and two-point resolution test to assess the recovery of skin sensation at 6 mo. The satisfaction of the two groups of patients was also compared.

RESULTS

Wound healing time in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P < 0.05, 27.92 ± 3.25 d vs 19.68 ± 6.91 d); there was no significant difference in the survival rate of skin grafts/flaps between the two patient groups (P > 0.05, 95.1 ± 5.0 vs 96.3 ± 5.6). The interval between two surgeries (20.0 ± 4.3 d) and hospital stay (21.0 ± 10.1 d) in the observation group were both significantly shorter than those in the control group (27.5 ± 9.3 d) and (28.4 ± 17.7 d), respectively (P < 0.05). In comparison to postoperative infection (23.5%) and subcutaneous hematoma (11.8%) in the control group, these were considerably lower at (10.2%) and (6.1%) in the observation group. When comparing the two patient groups at six months post-surgery, the excellent and good rate of sensory recovery (91.8%) was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (76.5%) (P < 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference in two point resolution (P > 0.05). The VSS score in the observation group (2.91 ± 1.36) was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.96 ± 1.51), and group satisfaction was significantly higher (P < 0.05, 90.1 ± 6.3 vs 76.3 ± 5.2).

CONCLUSION

The combination of artificial dermis and autologous skin grafting for the treatment of hand tendon exposure wounds has a satisfactory therapeutic effect. It is a safe, effective, and easy to operate treatment method, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Artificial Skin Therapies; Strategy for Product Development

Significance: Tissue-engineered artificial skin for clinical reconstruction can be regarded as an established practice. Bi-layered skin equivalents are available as established allogenic or autologous therapy, and various acellular skin replacements can support tissue repair. Moreover, there is considerable commonality between the skin and other soft tissue reconstruction products. This article presents an attempt to create a comprehensive global landscape review of advanced replacement materials and associated strategies for skin and soft tissue reconstruction. Recent Advances: There has been rapid growth in the number of commercial and pre-commercial products over the past decade. In this survey, 263 base products for advanced skin therapy have been identified, across 8 therapeutic categories, giving over 350 products in total. The largest market is in the United States, followed by the E.U. zone. However, despite these advances, and the investment of resources in each product development, there are key issues concerning the clinical efficacy, cost-benefit of products, and clinical impact. Each therapeutic strategy has relative merits and limitations. Critical Issues: A critical consideration in developing and evaluating products is the therapeutic modality, associated regulatory processes, and the potential for clinical adoption geographically, determined by regulatory territory, intellectual property, and commercial distribution factors. The survey identifies an opportunity for developments that improve basic efficacy or cost-benefit. Future Directions: The economic pressures on health care systems, compounded by the demands of our increasingly ageing population, and the imperative to distribute effective health care, create an urgent global need for effective and affordable products.

Personalised burn treatment: bedside electrospun nanofibre scaffold with cultured autologous keratinocytes: a case study

Nearly four decades after cultured epidermal autografts (CEA) were first used for the treatment of extensive burn wounds, the current gold standard treatment remains grafting healthy autologous skin from a donor site to the damaged areas, with current skin substitutes limited in their clinical use. We propose a novel treatment approach, using an electrospun polymer nanofibrous matrix (EPNM) applied on-site directly on the CEA-grafted areas. In addition, we propose a personalised treatment on hard-to-heal areas, in which we spray suspended autologous keratinocytes integrated with 3D EPNM applied on-site, directly onto the wound bed. This method enables the coverage of larger wound areas than possible with CEA. We present the case of a 26-year-old male patient with full-thickness burns covering 98% of his total body surface area (TBSA). We were able to show that this treatment approach resulted in good re-epithelialisation, seen as early as seven days post CEA grafting, with complete wound closure within three weeks, and to a lesser extent in areas treated with cell spraying. Moreover, in vitro experiments confirmed the feasibility of using keratinocytes embedded within the EPNM: cell and culture viability, identity, purity and potency were determined. These experiments show that the skin cells are viable and can proliferate within the EPNM. The results presented are of a promising novel strategy for the development of personalised wound treatment, integrating on-the-spot 'printed' EPNM with autologous skin cells, which will be applied at the bedside, over deep dermal wounds, to accelerate healing time and wound closure.

Acute Surgical Management of the Burn Patient

Burn management has developed over time to encompass care that includes more than just survival but also quality of life and successful reintegration into society. Identification of burns that require timely operative intervention supports the goals of excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in burn survivors. Appropriate patient optimization, detailed preoperative planning, and intraoperative communication are keys to success.

Evaluation of Clinical and Biomechanical Features of Scars Resulting from the Treatment of Burn Contractures Comparing Acellular Dermal Matrices: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare clinical and biomechanical features of scars resulting from the treatment of burn contractures using different acellular dermal matrices (ADM).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Extensive burns often lead to severe sequelae, such as skin contractures, that can be treated using ADM to improve the quality of these scars.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial was performed including patients with burn contractures at least 1-year post-burn, treated using split-thickness skin graft (STSG). These patients were randomized into 4 groups: control (received only STSG without ADM), Integra (ADM + STSG), Matriderm (ADM + STSG), and Pelnac (ADM + STSG). Exclusion criteria were loss of follow-up and graft integration failure. The evaluation was performed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the durom-eter, and the cutometer in areas of normal skin, hypertrophic scar, and surgical scar, at least 1 year after the surgery.

RESULTS

In the VSS, durometer, and cutometer evaluation, there was no difference in the comparison of surgical scars among groups. Analyzing each group, with an intraindividual evaluation comparing areas of normal skin with surgical scars, the results suggested a possibility of a surgical scar hardness closer to normal skin for Integra and Matriderm groups measured with the durometer. In the cutometer evaluation, surgical scars were not comparable to areas of normal skin.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that there is no difference in the quality of scar assessed through the analysis of clinical and biomechanical features comparing acellular dermal matrices (Integra, Matriderm, and Pelnac) and only split-thickness skin graft without a dermal matrix.

Concepts in soft-tissue reconstruction of the contracted hand and upper extremity after burn injury

Burns and their subsequent contracture result in devastating functional and aesthetic consequences which disproportionally affect the upper extremity. By focusing on reconstruction with analogous tissue and utilizing the reconstructive elevator, function can be restored concomitantly with form and aesthetic appearance. General concepts for soft-tissue reconstruction after burn contracture are presented for different sub-units and joints.

Two-stage skin grafting using a basic fibroblast growth factor-impregnated artificial dermis

For traditional artificial dermises, a waiting period of approximately three weeks is required after the first implantation before they are adequately vascularized. The objective of this retrospective case series was to investigate whether full-thickness skin defects, requiring surgical reconstruction, could be successfully treated by implantation of a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-impregnated artificial dermis and secondary skin grafting with a shorter waiting period. Between January 2019 and January 2021, 19 skin defects in 14 patients (7 male and 7 female) were treated with two-stage skin grafting using bFGF-impregnated collagen-gelatin sponge (CGS). All of them were included in this case series, and the waiting period for skin grafting, success rate of skin grafting, infection during the waiting period, and scar quality 6–12 months postoperatively were retrospectively investigated. As a result, all skin grafting surgeries were successfully performed with a waiting period of 13.3 ± 4.3 days. Infection during the waiting period was observed in three lesions (15.8%); however, all infections were controllable. Postoperative scar quality was acceptable (Vancouver Scar Scale score range, 1–8). In conclusion, compared to traditional artificial dermises, bFGF-impregnated CGSs have the potential to shorten the waiting period without decreasing the success rate of skin grafting. Further studies are required to confirm this finding.

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We previously developed a novel artificial dermis which is capable of sustained release of bFGF.

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Skin defects were successfully treated by two-stage skin grafting using bFGF-impregnated CGS.

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The use of bFGF-impregnated CGS allowed for a short waiting period for secondary skin grafting.

Co-Graft of Acellular Dermal Matrix and Split Thickness Skin Graft—A New Reconstructive Surgical Method in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic disease that significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Patients are chronically treated with systemic therapies, which are often ineffective. Surgical treatment for severe cases of hidradenitis suppurativa is one option for affected patients. Surgical treatment has its limitations, and wound closure may be particularly problematic. This requires the use of reconstructive techniques. The methods of choice for wound closure are split-thickness skin grafts or local flaps reconstructions. However, each method has its limitations. This is a presentation of a new reconstructive surgical method in hidradenitis suppurativa surgery: the use of a co-graft of Acellular dermal matrix and split thickness skin graft as a novel method in wound closure after wide excisions, based on two cases. The results of this method are very promising: we achieved very fast wound closure with good aesthetic results regarding scar formation. In this paper, we used several examinations: laser speckle analysis, cutometer tests, and health-related quality of life (QoL) questionnaire to check the clinical impact of this method. Our initial results are very encouraging. ADM with STSG as a co-graft could be widely used in reconstructive surgery. This is a preliminary study, which should be continued in further, extended research.

Immediate Application of Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix To a Muscle Free Flap for Complex Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Background. Extensive degloving skin injuries in children are particularly challenging for the possible complications of restricting growth and function. Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM, PolyNovo) is traditionally used for acute burn care reconstruction and in this case was successfully used to manage a child with lower limb open fractures associated with severe degloving injuries. This novel use offers excellent short and intermediate outcomes.

Use of Composite Acellular Dermal Matrix-Ultrathin Split-Thickness Skin in Hand Hot-Crush Injuries: A One-Step Grafting Procedure

Background

Hot-crush injuries to the hands can be devastating, and early debridement and coverage with skin autograft remains the golden standard of wound treatment. However, this type of treatment is not feasible or unlikely to succeed due to limited donor sites and wound characteristics of hot-crush injuries on hands. Thus, the composite grafting of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and split-thickness skin graft (STSG) as a novel alternative method has been attempted. In this series, the results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of one-stage procedure for early reconstruction in hand hot-crush injuries.

Methods

All consecutive patients with hand hot-crush injuries, who underwent one-stage procedure of ADM and ultrathin STSG for soft tissue coverage at our institution from December 2018 to November 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. Wound dressings were opened on 7 days after operation to examine graft survival and complications. Patients were followed up for at least 9 months to evaluate their hand profiles.

Results

Samples of 14 patients with a total of 23 wounds were involved in the study. Thirteen of the 23 third–fourth-degree wounds had varying degrees of tendon exposure. On 7 days postoperation, the composite grafts survived in 12 patients with minimal focal graft losses and liquefaction and necrosis in 2 patients, which achieved successful healing following new coverage of ultrathin STSG. All the wounds healed with hospital stays ranging from 9 days to 32 days (median: 24.5 days). At the final follow-up (from 9 months to 20 months), all patients achieved excellent or good total active motion grade and good scar quality (Vancouver scar scale scored 1–3) with no revision surgery.

Conclusions

One-stage composite grafting of ADM and ultrathin STSG is a reliable alternative for early reconstruction in hand hot-crush injuries, which delivers good functional outcomes and a good cosmetic appearance.

The Role of Skin Substitutes in Acute Burn and Reconstructive Burn Surgery: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Burns disrupt the protective skin barrier with consequent loss of cutaneous temperature regulation, infection prevention, evaporative losses, and other vital functions. Chronically, burns lead to scarring, contractures, pain, and impaired psychosocial well-being. Several skin substitutes are available and replace the skin and partially restore functional outcomes and improve cosmesis. We performed a literature review to update readers on biologic and synthetic skin substitutes to date applied in acute and reconstructive burn surgery. Improvement has been rapid in the development of skin substitutes in the last decade; however, no available skin substitute fulfills criteria as a perfect replacement for damaged skin.

Use of single-layer artificial dermal template in patients with trauma and burns

Objective:

Artificial dermal templates (ADTs), were designed initially to provide extracellular matrix and skin substitute for extensive burn injuries. Use of ADTs in a variety of other indications, has also been described in the literature. In this study, we describe our experience of using ADTs for different indications in burn contractures and wound coverage.

Method:

In this retrospective study, patients requiring burn scar contracture release, permanent wound coverage for acute traumatic wounds and temporary wound coverage to prepare for complex reconstructions, and where the ADT Pelnac (Gunze Ltd., Japan) was applied, were evaluated. Data regarding patient sex, age, type and location of injury, comorbidities, operations and complications were recorded.

Results:

A total of 24 patients were included in the study, of whom 12 patients were operated on for burn contractures. ADTs were used with split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) or Z-plasties in a single-stage procedure. In six patients, ADT and STSGs were used to cover defects with exposed bone or tendon. Of the patients, six had their wounds covered temporarily while they were stabilised for complex reconstructions or were awaiting definitive histopathological results. Revisional surgeries due to graft failures or insufficient contracture releases were required by 12 patients. All temporary wound coverage patients had successful flap reconstructions after stabilisation of their general status, had tumour-free margins in the histopathological examination, and no necrosis or infection was seen on follow-up.

Conclusion:

In this study, ADTs had positive effects on selected patients, but comprehensive and comparative clinical studies are needed for different indications to choose between these templates.

Comparison of Efficacy among Three Dermal Substitutes in the Management of Critical Lower-Limb Wounds: The Largest Biases-Reduced Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study in Literature

Background and objectives: The skin recently became the main focus of regenerative medicine and, in this context, skin substitutes are fully entering into the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. Among the various types of skin substitutes, dermal substitutes (DSs) are the most used. Our study aims to retrospectively compare three renowned and extremely similar DS in the management of critical lower limb wounds in the largest cohort analysis currently present in literature. Materials and Methods: We followed a strict protocol of application and evaluation of the DS for each patient and wound and, after a meticulous bias reduction process, we compared final outcomes in terms of efficacy and speed in achieving the defect coverage. Results: Among patients who did not receive a skin graft after the DS, we registered a wound healed surface of 50% for Pelnac, 52% for Integra, and 19% for Nevelia, after 30 days from the external silicon layer removal; among those who received a skin graft after the DS, we observed a significantly lower mean percentage of graft take after 7 days with Pelnac (53%) compared to Integra and Nevelia (92% and 80%, respectively). The overall percentage of wound healed surface obtained after 30 days from the external silicon sheet removal, either with or without skin graft, was 71% for Pelnac, 63% for Integra and 63% for Nevelia. We also ran a sub-group analysis only including grafted wounds with a negative microbiological test and the mean percentage of graft take was similar this time. Eventually, we assessed the influence of the wound’s “chronicity” on its healing, comparing the mean graft take only in “acute” wounds who received a skin graft and it resulted 63% for Pelnac, 91% for Integra and 75% for Nevelia. Conclusions: Integra demonstrates the highest rate of skin graft viability and the highest rate of skin graft takes after 7 days. Pelnac shows the quickest induction of secondary healing in acute wounds. Nevelia is not different from Integra and shows a superior graft take compared to Pelnac, but features the lowest secondary healing induction rate. No differences exist between the three DSs in terms of wound healing after 30 days from the skin graft or from the removal of the external silicon layer.

Implementation and Validation of Free Flaps in Acute and Reconstructive Burn Care

Microsurgical free flap reconstruction in acute burn care offers the option of reconstructing even challenging defects in a single stage procedure. Due to altered rheological and hemodynamic conditions in severely burned patients, it bears the risk of a higher complication rate compared to microsurgical reconstruction in other patients. To avoid failure, appropriate indications for free flap reconstruction should be reviewed thoroughly. Several aspects concerning timing of the procedure, individual flap choice, selection and preparation of the recipient vessels, and perioperative measures must be considered. Respecting these specific conditions, a low complication rate, comparable to those seen in microsurgical reconstruction of other traumatic limb defects, can be observed. Hence, the free flap procedure in acute burn care is a relatively safe and reliable tool in the armamentarium of acute burn surgery. In reconstructive burn care, microsurgical tissue transfer is routinely used to treat scar contractures. Due to the more robust perioperative condition of patients, even lower rates of complication are seen in microsurgical reconstruction.

Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimers and Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors in Formulating Next-Generation Anti-Infection Cell Therapy Dressings for Burns

Multidrug resistance infections are the main cause of failure in the pro-regenerative cell-mediated therapy of burn wounds. The collagen-based matrices for delivery of cells could be potential substrates to support bacterial growth and subsequent lysis of the collagen leading to a cell therapy loss. In this article, we report the development of a new generation of cell therapy formulations with the capacity to resist infections through the bactericidal effect of antimicrobial peptide dendrimers and the anti-virulence effect of anti-quorum sensing MvfR (PqsR) system compounds, which are incorporated into their formulation. Anti-quorum sensing compounds limit the pathogenicity and antibiotic tolerance of pathogenic bacteria involved in the burn wound infections, by inhibiting their virulence pathways. For the first time, we report a biological cell therapy dressing incorporating live progenitor cells, antimicrobial peptide dendrimers, and anti-MvfR compounds, which exhibit bactericidal and anti-virulence properties without compromising the viability of the progenitor cells.

Selection of Artificial Dermis for Shortening Treatment Period: Integra versus Pelnac

Skin reconstruction of full-thickness skin defect wounds using artificial dermis is performed using secondary split-thickness skin grafting. For the selection of artificial dermis to shorten the treatment period, the waiting time until secondary skin grafting was investigated when the dermis-like tissue was constructed with Pelnac or Integra.

Contemporary Aspects of Burn Care

The past one hundred years have seen tremendous improvements in burn care, allowing for decreased morbidity and mortality of this pathology. The more prominent advancements occurred in the period spanning 1930-1980; notably burn resuscitation, early tangential excision, and use of topical antibiotic dressings; and are well documented in burn literature. This article explores the advancements of the past 40 years and the areas of burn management that are presently topics of active discussion and research.

Development of dynamic cell and organotypic skin models, for the investigation of a novel visco-elastic burns treatment using molecular and cellular approaches

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with severe burns, the sequelae are pathophysiologically profound, up to the systemic and metabolic levels. Management of patients with a severe burn injury is a long-term, complex process, with treatment dependent on the degree and location of the burn and total body surface area (TBSA) affected. In adverse conditions with limited resources, efficient triage, stabilisation, and rapid transfer to a specialised intensive care burn centre is necessary to provide optimal outcomes. This initial lag time and the form of primary treatment initiated, from injury to specialist care, is crucial for the burn patient. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a novel visco-elastic burn dressing with a proprietary bio-stimulatory marine mineral complex (MXC) as a primary care treatment to initiate a healthy healing process prior to specialist care.

METHODS

A new versatile emergency burn dressing saturated in a >90% translucent water-based, sterile, oil-free gel and carrying a unique bio-stimulatory marine mineral complex (MXC) was developed. This dressing was tested using LabSkin as a burn model platform. LabSkin a novel cellular 3D-dermal organotypic full thickness human skin equivalent, incorporating fully-differentiated dermal and epidermal components that functionally models skin. Cell and molecular analysis was carried out by in vitro Real-Time Cellular Analysis (RTCA), thermal analysis, and focused transcriptomic array profiling for quantitative gene expression analysis, interrogating both wound healing and fibrosis/scarring molecular pathways. In vivo analysis was also performed to assess the bio-mechanical and physiological effects of this novel dressing on human skin.

RESULTS

This hybrid emergency burn dressing (EBD) with MXC was hypoallergenic, and improved the barrier function of skin resulting in increased hydration up to 24 h. It was demonstrated to effectively initiate cooling upon application, limiting the continuous burn effect and preventing local tissue from damage and necrosis. xCELLigence RTCA® on primary human dermal cells (keratinocyte, fibroblast and micro-vascular endothelial) demonstrated improved cellular function with respect to tensegrity, migration, proliferation and cell-cell contact (barrier formation) [1]. Quantitative gene profiling supported the physiological and cellular function finding. A beneficial quid pro quo regulation of genes involved in wound healing and fibrosis formation was observed at 24 and 48 h time points.

CONCLUSION

Utilisation of this EBD + MXC as a primary treatment is an effective and easily applicable treatment in cases of burn injury, proving both a cooling and hydrating environment for the wound. It regulates inflammation and promotes healing in preparation for specialised secondary burn wound management. Moreover, it promotes a healthy remodelling phenotype that may potentially mitigate scarring. Based on our findings, this EBD + MXC is ideal for use in all pre-hospital, pre-surgical and resource limited settings.

The Use of Dermal Substitute in Deep Burns of Functional/Mobile Anatomic Areas at Acute Phase After Early Excision and Subsequent Skin Autografting: Dermal Substitute Prevents Functional Limitations

We aimed to evaluate the results of dermal substitute implantation after early excision in the acute phase of major burn cases within the scope of efforts to reduce contractions and scar formation in functional anatomic areas (face, neck, axilla, elbow, popliteal). Twelve patients with major burn who were treated in the burn center between September 2017 and September 2018 were included in the study. In these patients, Nevelia® dermal substitute was implanted into 24 functional areas with deep partial or full-thickness burns after surgical debridement of the wound. Autologous split-thickness skin graft was applied to these areas after 14 to 21 days. The patients were followed for 4 to 14 months (mean 6 months). Postoperative scar formation was assessed by the Vancouver Scar Scale at the end of the follow-up period. A simple qualitative staging system was used for aesthetic and functional evaluation. The time from burn injury to dermal substitute implantation was 3 to 21 days. Skin graft take was complete in 22 of 24 regions and partial in one of them, while graft loss developed in one region. In the implantation sites, the Vancouver Scar Scale ranged from 1 to 7. The aesthetic and functional evaluation showed excellent/good results in 21 of 24 anatomic regions, moderate results in 2 regions, and poor results in 1 region. The use of dermal substitute in deep burns of functional/mobile anatomic areas at the acute phase after early excision and subsequent skin autografting has opened a new alternative area in the burn surgery arena to prevent contractures and functional limitations.

Burn injury

Burn injuries are under-appreciated injuries that are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Burn injuries, particularly severe burns, are accompanied by an immune and inflammatory response, metabolic changes and distributive shock that can be challenging to manage and can lead to multiple organ failure. Of great importance is that the injury affects not only the physical health, but also the mental health and quality of life of the patient. Accordingly, patients with burn injury cannot be considered recovered when the wounds have healed; instead, burn injury leads to long-term profound alterations that must be addressed to optimize quality of life. Burn care providers are, therefore, faced with a plethora of challenges including acute and critical care management, long-term care and rehabilitation. The aim of this Primer is not only to give an overview and update about burn care, but also to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges and stigmata associated with burn injuries.