Initial experience with cultured epithelial autografts in massively burnt patients

Background: Prognosis in patients with severe burns is improved by early debridement and coverage with skin. The limiting factor in these patients is the lack of unburnt skin for harvesting. Cultured epithelial autograft (CEA) sheets provide an alternative means of covering debrided skin. This is a report on an initial experience with using CEA sheets. Methods: The two patients in this study had their medical records examined retrospectively. Results: The effective take of the CEA sheets was zero in both patients. One of the patients died approximately 6 weeks after admission. Conclusions: Because of the poor graft take seen in the patients in the present study, the use of CEA sheets only as a form of temporary biological dressing is recommended.