Glyaderm® dermal substitute: Clinical application and long-term results in 55 patients

IntroductionGlycerol preserved acellular dermis (Glyaderm®) consists of collagen and elastin fibers and is the first non-profit dermal substitute derived from glycerol-preserved, human allogeneic skin. It is indicated for bi-layered skin reconstruction of full thickness wounds.MethodsA protocol for clinical application and optimal interval before autografting with split thickness skin graft (STSG) was developed in a pilot study.A phase III randomized, controlled, paired, intra-individual study compared full thickness defects engrafted with Glyaderm® and STSG versus STSG alone.Outcome measures included percentage of Glyaderm® take, STSG take, and scar quality assessment.ResultsPilot study (27 patients): Mean take rates equaled 91.55% for Glyaderm® and 96.67% for STSG. The optimal autografting interval was 6 days (±1 day).Randomized trial (28 patients): Mean Glyaderm® take rate was 88.17%. STSG take rates were comparable for both research groups (p = 0.588). One year after wound closure, Glyaderm® + STSG was significantly more elastic (p = 0.003) than STSG alone. Blinded observers scored Glyaderm® treated wounds better in terms of scar quality.DiscussionThe efficacy of Glyaderm® as a suitable dermal substitute for full thickness wounds is attested. Currently a procedure for simultaneous application of Glyaderm® and STSG is adopted, allowing for further widespread use of Glyaderm®.