CellR4 2017; 5 (3): e2404

Treatment of late sequelae of burn scar fibrosis with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells

Topic: Regenerative Medicine, Translational research   Category:

Abstract

We present an uncontrolled longitudinal study of five patients with sequelae of burn scar fibrosis of the hand and upper extremity, with a minimum of one year post-burn therapy, treated with local injection of non-expanded autologous, adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells. The aims of this study was to determine the safety and the efficacy of the treatment, analyze pain and pruritis, flexibility and hardness, before and after the intervention. Target sites for administration of SVF cells were finger and web space contractures. Response to treatment was evaluated by analyzing clinical and physical parameters. We scored the scars with the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), range of motion and by measurements of scar hardness using a Durometer® and scar elasticity using the Courage-Khazaka cutometer®. All patients demonstrated clinical improvement (increased flexibility, scar thickness, range of motion). Of a total of 192 treatment zones, 113 were symptomatic and, of these, 97/113 (85%) demonstrated a positive clinical response. Scar hardness was assessed in 32 zones with 27 (84%) zones responsive. Net elasticity measurements improved in 81% of treatment zones. This series highlights the utility of non-expanded, adipose-derived heterogenous SVF cells population processed at the point-of-care, for the treatment of established burn scars refractory to further physical therapy to achieve enhanced functionality.

To cite this article

Treatment of late sequelae of burn scar fibrosis with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells

CellR4 2017; 5 (3): e2404

Publication History

Submission date: 18 Apr 2017

Revised on: 15 May 2017

Accepted on: 26 May 2017

Published online: 06 Jun 2017