Evaluation of an Amniotic Membrane-Collagen Dermal Substitute in the Management of Full-Thickness Skin Defects in a Pig

BACKGROUND: To minimize the inflammatory reaction and improve healing, a new modified dermal substitute composed of an atelocollagen, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and amniotic membrane (AM) was applied to full-thickness skin defects in a pig. Atelocollagen was extracted from bovine skin, and two modified dermal substitutes were generated according to the cross-linking type. METHODS: The AM-collagen dermal substitutes were characterized and compared with currently used dermal substitutes in a pig skin defect model. There were five experimental groups: dehydrothermal (DHT) cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT), DHT and chemical cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT/chemical), Terudermis, Integra, and AlloDerm. After 3x3 cm full-thickness skin defects on the back of a pig were created, each dermal substitutes dermal substitutes was randomly grafted on the defects. Two weeks after grafting, autologous partial-thickness skin was over-grafted on the neodermis. The take rate of the dermal substitutes, skin, and histological sections were all assessed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: More rapid healing and a higher take rate were evident in the AM-DHT and Terudermis groups. Histological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and more fibroblast hyperplasia in these two groups. Four weeks after surgery, the amount of newly formed collagen was significantly more appropriate in the AM-DHT group. CONCLUSIONS: These observations provide supporting evidence that a newly developed amniotic-collagen dermal substitute may inhibit inflammatory reactions and promote wound healing.

Treatment of Facial Abrasion using Amnisite BA(R)

PURPOSE: Facial abrasions have been treated by moist occlusive dressing for many years. But previous dressing methods have several disadvantages such as difficulty of fixation due to varied contours, too frequent dressing changes with pain, discomfort due to volume of the dressing materials. The authors applied dried bovine amniotic membrane (Amnisite BA(R)) to facial abrasions as a new therapeutic option and compared its efficacy with previous foam dressing treatments. METHODS: From June 2010 to May 2011, thirty two patients suffering from facial abrasions were included in this study, with a mean age of 32.4. Patients were divided into two groups by patient preference. One group was treated with dried bovine amniotic membrane while the other group was treated with ointment and foam dressings. Subjects were followed by regular outpatient clinic visits until complete epithelization. Healing time, treatment costs, scar formation, skin elasticity and moisture content were evaluated to compare the efficacy of dried bovine amniotic membrane in comparison to foam dressing groups. RESULTS: All of thirty two patients were well healed after appliance of dried bovine amniotic membrane or foam dressing without any complication. The healing time for patients treated with dried bovine amniotic membrane was significantly shorter (P<0.05) and no significant difference between the two groups regarding treatment costs, scar formation, skin elasticity or moisture content was shown. CONCLUSION: Facial abrasion can be effectively treated with dried bovine amniotic membrane with a shortening of epithelization period and similar effectiveness as previous foam dressings. In addition, dried bovine amniotic membranes have several benefits. easy appliance to any parts of face, reducing the frequency of dressing changes, early adaptation to social life and so on, These presented benefits make this material a new standard for treatment of facial abrasion.

Freeze dried irradiated amnion in burns

Thirty nine partial thickness burns ranging from 0.5% to 6% total surface body area in thirty two patients were treated with the application of freeze dried irradiated amnion during an eighteen month period from July 1989 to December 1990. It was observed that in all these burns wounds, there was relief of pain upon application and control of oozing from the wound. In addition, healing of the wounds was unremarkable with no occurrence of infection. Scab separation was completed at an average of 9.9 days. Freeze dried, irradiated amnion was found to be effective as a biologic dressing in the treatment of burns for prolonged periods using this unique storage process.(Author)