Evaluation of the use of an acellular dermal matrix produced in a tissue bank with and without skin autografts in burn patients: a comparative study in a Colombian population

Abstract

Introduction: The dermal matrices (DM) represent a crucial advancement in plastic and reconstructive surgery by improving functional and aesthetic outcomes in skin healing. Despite their benefits, their high cost restricts their usage. The main aim of this study was to compare the functional and aesthetic outcomes between skin autografts combined with a glycerolized acellular dermal matrix and solely skin autografts. Methods: A prospective cohort study is presented wherein 65 areas of 30 burn patients were included, distributed into two groups. The first group involved areas exposed to the use of glycerolized acellular dermal matrix (GADM) produced in a tissue bank with autografts in the same surgical time. The second group consisted of areas with sole skin autografts. A 6-month follow-up was conducted to compare functional and aesthetic outcomes. Results: The comparative statistical analysis demonstrates, with a significant level of evidence (p > 0.05), that the group exposed to the use of the dermal matrix produced in a tissue bank presents better scar healing parameters compared to the control group, considering the results of the Vancouver Scar Scale as the main outcome variable. This was evidenced in all follow-up assessments up to month 6. Conclusions: Further study in dermal matrices is warranted due to the wide range of expensive options available. Results align with previous literature, favoring the use of such tissue based on objective variables and expert evaluation, despite potential bias. The use of this type of matrix shows encouraging results in improving scar healing in burn patients, without increasing graft intake time or complications. This represents the first comparative study in Latin America, demonstrating a matrix of lower cost compared to those available in the market. Level of evidence: Level III, Therapeutic. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.