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Efficacy of non-cultured autologous cell suspension in the treatment of donor sites for split-thickness skin grafting
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Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of non-cultured autologous skin cell suspension in accelerating re-epithelialization and improving scar quality at split-thickness skin graft donor sites.
Subjects and methods: A prospective, randomized, intra-patient controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 burn patients aged 18-60. On the thigh donor site, half of the area was randomly treated with non-cultured autologous skin cell suspension (Area A), while the other half received Vaseline gauze dressing (Area B). The primary endpoint was the time to re-epithelialization. Secondary endpoints included pain levels, scar quality at 6 months (VSS, POSAS scales), and complication rates.
Results: The mean time to re-epithelialization was significantly shorter in Area A (10,8 ± 1,4 days) compared to Area B (14,1 ± 2,7 days) (p < 0,001). Pain levels were significantly lower in Area A during the first two weeks. - After 3 and 6 months, the rate of normal pigmented skin in the grafted area in the Recell group was significantly higher than in the control group (66.7% vs 26.7% at 3 months; 83.3% vs 40% at 6 months; p < 0.001). The infection rate was lower in Area A (3.3%) than in Area B (16.7%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.098).
Conclusion: The application of non-cultured autologous skin cell suspension significantly shortens healing time, reduces postoperative pain, and improves scar quality at 6 months. It is a safe and effective method for treating split-thickness skin graft donor sites in burn patients.
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Keywords
burns, donor site, autologous skin cell suspension, wound healing, scar quality
References
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