Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (Feb 2024)

Effectiveness of Dermal Regeneration Templates in Managing Acute Full-thickness and Deep Dermal Burn Injuries: A Comparison with Split-thickness Skin Grafts

  • Sarah W. Alkhonizy, MD,
  • Belal Nedal Sabbah, MD,
  • Majd S. Khader, MD,
  • Saleha Abdul Rab, MD,
  • Eman Naeem Chaudhri, MD,
  • Khalid M. Safar Alsofyani, MD,
  • Hiba Muhammad Raheel, MD,
  • Mohamad Alhassoun, MD,
  • Abdulaziz Alabdulkarim, MD, FRCSC

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005572
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 2
p. e5572

Abstract

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Background:. The therapeutic challenge of managing acute full-thickness burns is significantly ameliorated with the introduction of dermal regeneration templates (DRTs). However, an updated synthesis of evidence-based data on the efficacy and safety of different DRTs is required. Methods:. This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines aims to evaluate the role of various DRTs in comparison with split-thickness skin grafting in managing acute burn injuries after excision and debridement. A total of 28 randomized clinical trials were assessed, encompassing a wide array of DRTs. Results:. The study outcomes pointed to the diverse effectiveness of DRTs, with Integra demonstrating peripheral nerve reinnervation potential and TransCyte promoting rapid re-epithelialization. Some DRTs showed scar formation and skin quality comparable to those of autologous skin grafts. In terms of wound infection, certain treatments, including TransCyte, exhibited a significantly low infection rate. The evaluation of scar quality suggested that various interventions produced acceptable or improved outcomes without hypertrophic scarring. Recovery rates after the interventions displayed a range, with certain treatments showing rapid recovery and satisfactory results. Conclusions:. The current systematic review points to the potential benefits of DRTs in managing burn wounds. Further research is necessary to shed light on the long-term impacts of these interventions on wound healing, scar quality, and patient recovery.