Histologic study of artificial skin used in the treatment of full-thickness thermal injury.

Abstract

Integra artificial skin is an effective means of treatment for full-thickness burns. In extensive burn injury the use of such skin substitutes may become the treatment of choice. The artificial skin consists of a dermal substitute of bovine collagen and chondroitin-6-sulfate and an epidermal layer of synthetic polysiloxane polymer (Silastic). Serial biopsy specimens were obtained from 131 patients during a period of 7 days to 2 years after application. In this histologic study, six sequential phases of repair were discerned. In addition, there were occasional unusual histologic features, eosinophilic infiltration, and/or macrophage-derived giant cell formation in the wound area; however, such findings did not clinically correlate with a negative response to Integra artificial skin. Good repair was obtained, with rare exceptions. An intact dermis was achieved as well as definitive closure of a complete epidermal layer with a minimum of scarring.

• Authors: R Stern, M McPherson, M T Longaker
• Journal: The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation (J Burn Care Rehabil) 1990 Jan-Feb Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 7-13 ISSN: 0273-8481 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2179224 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Artificial Organs
• Biopsy
• Burns (therapy)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Eosinophils
• Giant Cells
• Humans
• Macrophages (physiology)
• Multicenter Studies as Topic
• Skin
• Time Factors
• Wound Healing (physiology)