Efficacy and Complications Associated with Acellular Dermal Substitute Use in the Treatment of Acute Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Next-Generation Biomaterials for Wound Healing: Development and Evaluation of Collagen Scaffolds Functionalized with a Heparan Sulfate Mimic and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2

Fibrosis after full-thickness wound healing-especially after severe burn wounds-remains a clinically relevant problem. Biomaterials that mimic the lost dermal extracellular matrix have shown promise but cannot completely prevent scar formation. We present a novel approach where porous type I collagen scaffolds were covalently functionalized with ReGeneRating Agent (RGTA®) OTR4120. RGTA® is a glycanase-resistant heparan sulfate mimetic that promotes regeneration when applied topically to chronic wounds. OTR4120 is able to capture fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), a heparan/heparin-binding growth factor that inhibits the activity of fibrosis-driving myofibroblasts. Scaffolds with various concentrations and distributions of OTR4120 were produced. When loaded with FGF-2, collagen-OTR4120 scaffolds demonstrated sustained release of FGF-2 compared to collagen-heparin scaffolds. Their anti-fibrotic potential was investigated in vitro by seeding primary human dermal fibroblasts on the scaffolds followed by stimulation with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) to induce myofibroblast differentiation. Collagen-OTR4120(-FGF-2) scaffolds diminished the gene expression levels of several myofibroblast markers. In absence of FGF-2 the collagen-OTR4120 scaffolds displayed an inherent anti-fibrotic effect, as the expression of two fibrotic markers (TGF-β1 and type I collagen) was diminished. This work highlights the potential of collagen-OTR4120 scaffolds as biomaterials to improve skin wound healing.

Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix in Postoncological Scalp Reconstruction: A Case Series

Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) is a synthetic biodegradable dermal matrix that helps develop a non-skin graft amenable wound bed (eg, over tendon or bone) into a graftable wound bed, by acting as an inert scaffold for angiogenesis and formation of granulation tissue. There is currently a paucity of evidence to encourage its use in scalp defects following skin malignancy excision. This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the utility of BTM in this patient subset. This is a case series of patients undergoing BTM reconstruction for scalp defects following skin malignancy excision between January 2022 and January 2024. Data collected included demographics, as well as oncological and reconstructive outcomes. Thirteen distinct BTM cases were identified in 12 patients. All patients were male with a median age of 85 years. Of 13 lesions, 10 were confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, with 3 confirmed as malignant melanoma. Of 13 cases, 12 required excision down to the calvaria, with 1 down to pericranium. Of 13 cases, 11 went on to receive a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) after BTM application, with a median interval of 46 days. All these patients had complete take of their subsequent STSG. Two cases did not receive STSG, 1 had satisfactorily healed upon delamination of the BTM, and 1 had failure of BTM due to bacterial colonization. This study demonstrates the utility of BTM as a successful, low morbidity reconstructive option in patients undergoing skin cancer excision on the scalp.

The effectiveness of the psychosocial empowerment program in early adjustment among adult burn survivors

BACKGROUND

Burns constitute a major global health challenge, causing not only physical trauma, but also significant psychosocial and emotional disturbances. The complexity of these injuries requires comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of recovery. Despite advances in medical care, there is a lack of standardized, accessible, and sustainable psychosocial interventions for burn survivors, particularly in the transition from hospital to home. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a nurse-led psychosocial empowerment intervention for early adjustment among burn survivors after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The study adopted a quasi-experimental framework. A convenient sample of 80 adult burn survivors was randomly divided into an intervention group, receiving the psychosocial empowerment program, and a control group, continuing standard care from November 2022 to May 2023. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using various tools that measure satisfaction with appearance, coping abilities, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intervention focused on enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, and adaptive coping, through targeted skill building in stress management, adaptability to coping, social reintegration, emotion regulation, and problem-solving.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body image satisfaction, coping abilities, and symptoms of PTSD compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychosocial empowerment program effectively addressed the psychosocial needs of burn survivors and enhanced their early adjustment after hospital discharge. The findings highlight the critical role of psychosocial support in the rehabilitation of burn survivors and underscore the need to integrate such interventions into standard post-discharge care. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of these interventions and their applicability in diverse settings.