Evaluation of Dermagraft as an alternative to grafting for open fasciotomy wounds

Abstract

Wounds produced following open fasciotomy can be healed by grafting but this requires a second operation. Is Dermagraft, a tissue-engineered human fibroblast-derived dermis that can be applied on an outpatient basis, a viable alternative?

The Closure of a Large Chronic Abdominal Wound in a Neonate Utilizing a Biologic Dressing

“…There have been reports of successful use of Dermagraft in the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. 5 The product also has been used as a substitute for skin grafting in open fasciotomy wounds, 6 as well as in covering intraoral lesions following removal of squamous cell carcinomas. 7 The applications of this product are expanding because of its promotion of wound healing, lack of rejection, and relative ease of placement.…”

Use of a Living Dermal Equivalent for a Refractory Abdominal Defect after Pediatric Multivisceral Transplantation

“…Human fibroblast‐derived dermis has been shown to speed healing of diabetic foot ulcers 8,9 and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic neuropathic diabetic lower extremity ulcers. It has also been for acute wounds beneath meshed split‐thickness skin grafts for full‐thickness wounds 10 and as an alternative to skin grafting to achieve complete closure in fasciotomy wounds 11 . Positive aspects in the use of human fibroblast‐derived dermis include resistance to tearing, ease of handling, and lack of rejection 12,13 .…”

Use of a Living Dermal Equivalent for a Refractory Abdominal Defect after Pediatric Multivisceral Transplantation

“…It has also been for acute wounds beneath meshed split-thickness skin grafts for fullthickness wounds 10 and as an alternative to skin grafting to achieve complete closure in fasciotomy wounds. 11 Positive aspects in the use of human fibroblast-derived dermis include resistance to tearing, ease of handling, and lack of rejection. 12,13 By delivering a full complement of growth factors and cytokines (Table 3) critical to angiogenesis and the inflammatory response associated with normal tissue repair, human fibroblast-derived dermis stimulates the in growth of fibrovascular tissue from the wound bed while promoting reepithelialization from the wound edges.…”