RESUMO
PURPOSE: Grafting with autograft skin remains the most effective method for treating skin defects. When insufficient donor sites are present or patients are afraid of the operation, a skin graft is impossible. Cultured allogenic keratinocytes speed wound healing by providing cover and by producing growth factors and extracellular matrix protein. We report an application of cultured allogenic keratinocytes (Kaloderm., Tegoscience, Seoul, Korea) in the treatment of an acute partial thickness skin defect. METHODS: From March 2005 to January 2006, 20 patients with a partial thickness skin defect were treated with cultured allogenic keratinocytes. The wound was covered with a sheet of cultured allogenic keratinocytes and ointment with Bactigras. gauze. The wound was inspected every two or three days. We regarded completion of epithelialization as wound healing. RESULTS: The mean period between time of injury and time of Kaloderm. application was 7.5 days. The time taken from application of Kaloderm. to complete closure of the wounds was 7.2 days. CONCLUSION: In view of the favorable outcome, cultured allogenic keratinocytes are safe and effective biologic dressing materials for use in the treatment of open wounds.