Prospective study on burns treated with Integra®, a cellulose sponge and split thickness skin graft: Comparative clinical and histological study—Randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare three different methods to cover excised burn wounds in a randomized controlled trial.MethodsFascially excised burn wounds, measuring 10 cm × 5 cm, were covered with Integra®, split thickness skin graft (STSG), and a viscose cellulose sponge Cellonex™ in each of ten adult patients. Integra® and Cellonex™ treated areas were covered with thin STSG on day 14. Biopsies were taken 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery, and samples were subjected to a range of immunohistochemical stains, in addition to hematoxylin and eosin (HE). Scar assessment was performed 3 and 12 months post-operatively with the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS).ResultsInflammation was not substantial in any of the study areas, but Cellonex™ had the most neutrophils, histiocytes, and lymphocytes with significant differences on days 7 and 14. Complete vascularization of Integra® seemed to occur later compared to the other materials. STSG had the most myofibroblasts on day 14 (p = 0.012). In VSS the quality of the scar improved in all materials from 3 to 12 months.ConclusionsThe final results for all treatments after 12 months demonstrate equal clinical appearance, as well as histological and immunohistochemical findings.