2004 Volume 114 Issue 6 Pages 1131-1137
The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate an allogeneic cultured dermal substitute (CDS) as a biological dressing for highly extended mesh auto-skin grafting. Allogeneic CDS was prepared by seeding fibroblasts onto a spongy matrix of hyaluronic acid and atelo-collagen. The patient was an 88-year-old female suffering from necrotizing fasciitis on the back lumbar region (size 39×28 cm). Necrocectomy was first performed up to the fat layer, and 6-fold extended mesh auto-skin fragments were grafted onto the debrided wound (size 27×13 cm), followed by application of allogeneic CDS. A conventional ointment-gauze dressing was used to protect the CDS. The CDS was applied repeatedly at intervals of 5 to 7 days. Take and epithelization of the grafted skin were good on day 28 after grafting. The cicatrices were thin and soft, indicating good condition. The application of 6-fold extended auto-skin graft in conjunction with allogeneic CDS appears to be an effective method for treatment of extensive full-thickness skin defects.
