Use of the stromal vascular fraction in intermediate-deep acute burns: A case with its own control

Abstract

We present a case of symmetrical thermal intermediate-deep burns treated in a case-control fashion with the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained with the MyStem™ device and a scaffold of hyaluronic acid. After enzymatic debridement and SVF harvesting and application, we observed quicker healing (as assessed by wound area histogram planimetry) in the case area as opposed to the control one, which eventually underwent skin grafting. At the 3 months follow-up, the Vancouver Scar Scale was 9 for the case side and 10 for the control side, with a tendency to hypertrophic scarring in both areas, while patient satisfaction Visual Analogue Scale was 7 for the case side and 2 for the control side. CD31 expression, a marker of neoangiogenesis, was significantly higher in the case area as compared to the control one. SVF could potentially represent a valid alternative to the current standard of care, with a decreased need of invasive surgery and consequent improved patients' quality of life.