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

Background: Healing of partial-thickness (2a and 2b) burns is notoriously unpredictable as far as healing time, scarring and (hypo)pigmentation is concerned. Epidermal blister grafting is an autologous grafting technique involving transfer of epidermal islands without dermal elements. CellutomeTM is an FDA-acknowledged epidermal harvesting device. This proof-of-concept study evaluates whether blister grafting of partial-thickness burns results in improved healing compared to standard acellular treatment.Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial with 8 patients in which each patient re-ceived both treatments randomized to different burn sites. Healing was assessed at regular intervals. Twelve months after treatment, outcomes were measured with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), photography, spectrometry, Semmes-Weinstein Filaments, cutometry and high-resolution ultrasound.Results: Areas treated with epidermal blister grafting healed slightly faster than acellular treatment. Epidermal treatment yielded healing with less erythema, closer to that of sur-rounding normal skin (p = 0.0404). Donor sites were not visible and not measurably dif-ferent than normal skin.Conclusions: Results favor cellular over acellular technique for the treatment of partial -thickness (2a and 2b) burns. Significant improvement in erythema implies a higher quality healing process. Further studies should look primarily at larger areas of treatment, and larger sample size.& COPY; 2022 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that epidermal blister grafting is more effective than acellular treatment for 2a and 2b degree burns. The areas treated with epidermal grafting healed faster and with less erythema. Further research should focus on larger treatment areas and larger sample sizes.